Even though I am busy-busy-busy working on projects for my book, I couldn’t let the season go by without making at least one pumpkin project! And for this one, I went “garage shopping”, and came across this set of wooden bowls. I set aside the smaller ones for my book, and decided that the large wooden bowl might be perfect as a cake dome (and pumpkin centerpiece).
As you can see from the date on the price tag, I had bought the set last year! And it had been waiting patiently in my garage for an idea (or two) to come to mind.
The small bowls I set aside and used as a project in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”.
But the big fella? He was beat up, dry to the point of brittle, and cracked in places. In other words, the PERFECT candidate for an upcycling project.
And while he was meant to be used as a bowl like this, I planned on turning him upside-down for my project.
Still skeptical? Let me take you through my upcycling process!
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Transforming a Large Wooden Bowl into a Pumpkin
First things first, I needed to paint the bowl, inside and out. And to do so, I grabbed my favorite orange chalk paint for pumpkin crafts and a craft paint brush.
Once painted (inside and out), it looked much better and was becoming more pumpkin-esque.
Next, I sanded down the paint (without overly distressing it) wiped off any remaining chalk dust. Then, I buffed on some clear wax to seal and protect the paint.
Next, I needed to add a pumpkin stem! So, I drilled a small hole in the center of the bottom of the wooden bowl.
In other words, the bottom of the bowl will become the top of my cake dome!
Now I could add a handle to my cake dome that would double as a pumpkin stem!
Decorating a Pumpkin Centerpiece and Cake Dome
I also drilled a pilot hole in a chunk of birch branch and used a small screw to attach the stem to the top of the wooden bowl.
Once attached, I had the perfect handle for my cake dome. I liked that it was a little jaunty and angled, too.
Now I just needed to decorate my pumpkin centerpiece!
First, I salvaged some bright green leaves from a floral stem and used my hot glue gun to attach them around the stem or handle.
Last but not least, I wanted some fun, vine-like curly-q’s. That seemed like the perfect finishing touch to my pumpkin centerpiece and cake dome.
To make them, I wrapped some natural vine floral wire around a wooden dowel and then hot glued one end under the leaves.
And that was it! The large wooden bowl had been completely transformed into a cake dome that would double as fall party decor.
Cake Dome and Pumpkin Centerpiece for Fall Party Decor
Wasn’t that so easy? For a base, I bought a plain wooden charger from the craft store and stained it a deep warm brown.
I sealed it with a top coat, but to be on the safe side, I will always use parchment paper to protect unwrapped food from the charger.
Either way, though, that large wooden bowl was positively MADE for this upcycling project. He will be the hit at every Fall party I go to from now on, don’t you agree?
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AND guess what? It’s Thrift Store Decor Team Day, so check out what my upcycling pals have been up to. Click on the corresponding links beneath this collage to see each “after” project.
1. Buffalo Check Ghost – Petticoat Junktion
2. Upcycled Side Table Fall Porch – My Repurposed Life
3. Repurposed Serving Tray – House of Hawthornes
4. Pumpkin Decor and Cake Dome from a Wooden Bowl – Sadie Seasongoods (mine!)
5. Multiple Thrift Store Urn Uses – My Southern Home
6. Thrift Store Sweater Pumpkins – Domestically Speaking
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I just never get tired of upcycling random objects into pumpkins at this time of year!
I even included a couple of pumpkin projects in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”!
But don’t worry, there are only two pumpkin projects in it. There are 53 NON-PUMPKIN flannel crafts in it, as well!
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for fall pumpkin decor, then you’ll love these bandana pumpkins that are perfect for autumn and Halloween!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
That turned out so darn cute! I need to run to the thrift store and pick up a beat yp salad bowl now (like I wasn’t going to run to the thrift store today anyhow)!
Ha!!! I understand completely – and thank you, Pam!
Love this!! What a great transformation!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Absolutely fantastic! You have such an eye for pumpkins!
It’s no surprise that I wait all year long for Fall to arrive, is it??
Hi, I love,love love your website.You are so creative and clever,AND thrifty, Your instructions are so clear and easy looking, that I feel that I may attempt to do something.
Thank you so much.
You made my day with that comment – thank you! I’m so glad you are enjoying it.
Sarah! How I love your pumpkin cake dome! You have such an eye for “junk”. 🙂
pinned!
Thank you so very much, Gail!
This is just awesome, Sarah! Love, love, love it.
Thank you so much, Linda!
Oh my cuteness!!! LOVING this!
Thank you, Maryann!!
So cute. You have great vision!
Thanks, Virginia!
Your pumpkin projects never disappoint! I love this idea, and I think that the wood stain and orange chalk paint pair together perfectly!!!! Well done girl, it’s pumtastic!
Thank you so much!
You always amaze me with your creativity! This is an adorable makeover!
Awww, thank you, Christy!!
You always come up the best ideas, Sarah. ADORABLE!!!
Thank you so much, Marie!!
How clever! That made the cutest pumpkin ever! Perfect for those fun fall parties and get togethers.
Thanks, Linda!
So pretty… I love how you think out of the box! #diyergoals Would love if you would join us at Tuesday Turn About and share your project with us! We close the party tonight at midnight CST, and open again on Tuesday 5pm CST. Hope to see you there, friend!
Thanks, Julie!! I’ll try and swing by – ping me again if I forget!
Oh my gosh I absolutely am going to do this one. I have enjoyed all your ideas but this one takes the cake. Love it.
Thanks, Linda!!