DIY Rustic Wooden Pumpkins – A Charming Fall Craft Project

By Lori Jacobs | August 27, 2025 |

DIY Rustic Wooden Pumpkins

If you’ve got a few scrap 2x4s lying around and a love for cozy fall décor, you’re going to love this simple and budget-friendly DIY. Today, I’m sharing how to make wooden pumpkins from leftover wood, giving them a rustic, farmhouse feel perfect for your autumn display. With just some paint, a few sticks, and a little creativity, you can create a whole pumpkin patch for your mantel, porch, or table centerpiece.

Supply List

2×4 wood scraps (various lengths – I used 6″, 5.5″, 4″, and 3″ for variety)
Small tree branches or sticks for stems
Sandpaper or sanding block
Dark brown acrylic paint
Orange acrylic paint (or teal, cream, burgundy – whatever matches your décor)
Baby wipes or damp paper towels
Chip brush or other rough-bristled brush
Fall florals, leaves, berries, or wheat stems
Raffia or ribbon for bows
Wood glue (Titebond or similar)
Drill and drill bit (slightly smaller than stick diameter)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors or wire cutters

Step 1: Prep Your Wood

Gather your scrap 2×4 pieces in different lengths to create visual interest. Sand each piece with a sanding block to remove rough edges and splinters. This will help your paint go on smoothly and prevent snagging when handled.

Step 2: Create a Stained Base

Instead of traditional wood stain, use dark brown acrylic paint and baby wipes (or damp paper towels) for a quick, mess-free stain effect.

Dip the baby wipe into the paint and wipe it across the wood surface.
Wipe off any excess with a paper towel.
Apply thicker and leave longer for a darker look, or wipe more quickly for a light, rustic tone.
Let dry completely.

This technique dries quickly and gives you that farmhouse pumpkin décor vibe without the hassle of oil-based stains.

Step 3: Add the Pumpkin Color

Once your “stain” is dry, paint over it with your chosen pumpkin color. I used orange for a classic autumn look, but teal pumpkins, white pumpkins, or even burgundy pumpkins work beautifully for a custom palette.

Apply one or two coats, depending on how bright you want the color.
Leave some of the brown showing through for a distressed, rustic feel.
Skip painting the bottom so your pumpkins sit flat.

Step 4: Dry Brush for Texture

For extra dimension, dry-brush more brown paint over the orange.

Use a chip brush, load it lightly with paint, then pounce most of it off on scrap paper.
Lightly drag the brush across edges and corners to highlight natural wear areas.
Wipe off excess if needed with a baby wipe.

This gives your wooden pumpkins that charming rustic fall décor finish.

Step 5: Distress with Sanding

Using a sanding block, lightly sand the edges and corners of each pumpkin. This reveals the brown base coat and even some raw wood underneath, enhancing the distressed look.

Step 6: Drill Stem Holes

To secure your stems:

Find the center of the top of each pumpkin.
Drill a shallow hole slightly smaller than your stick diameter.
If needed, sand the end of the stick so it fits snugly.

Step 7: Attach the Stems

Apply wood glue inside the drilled hole and on the end of the stick.
Press the stick into place and let dry.
Keep a little bark on the stick for texture, or sand it smooth for a cleaner look.

Step 8: Decorate Your Pumpkins

Now comes the fun part – decorating!
You can use fall leaves, berries, wheat stems, raffia, or ribbon to add a personal touch.

Cut leaves and stems from a floral bush using wire cutters.
Attach with hot glue or staples.
Wrap raffia around the stem for a rustic bow, or tie a ribbon for a softer look.
Use hot glue to hide staples with extra leaves or berries.

Step 9: Personalize (Optional)

If you want to add a festive touch, use a paint marker to write seasonal words like “Fall,” “Welcome,” or “Harvest” on the front of your pumpkins.

Step 10: Display Your Wooden Pumpkin Patch

Arrange your pumpkins in a group for a cozy fall display. They look adorable on a mantel, as a table centerpiece, or even on your front porch. Mix different sizes and colors for a more dynamic look.

Tips for Success

For budget-friendly supplies, check Dollar Tree for florals, raffia, and ribbon.
Mix colors; try a teal and cream pumpkin display for a farmhouse-chic look.
Don’t skip the sanding – it really makes the pumpkins look naturally weathered.
Use scrap wood to save money and make this an eco-friendly fall craft.

Why You’ll Love This Project

This DIY wooden pumpkin craft is:

Beginner-friendly – perfect for a weekend craft.
Customizable – choose your colors, stems, and embellishments.
Budget-conscious – uses scrap wood and affordable craft supplies.
Reusable – your pumpkins will last for many fall seasons to come.

Whether you’re crafting for yourself or making gifts for friends, these rustic pumpkins are a charming addition to your fall decorating.