Alexei Volkov
Halloween is over, and you're now stuck with plastic pumpkins that you don't know what to do with. Well, you're not alone. Many people are looking for ways to repurpose and recycle their plastic pumpkins instead of throwing them away. The good news is that there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose these pumpkins, from upcycling them into decorative items to donating them to zoos or farms for animal feed. So, before you toss those plastic pumpkins in the trash, consider some of the eco-friendly alternatives to reduce waste and give your old pumpkins a new lease of life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse as a planter | Remove the handle, paint, let dry, and add dirt |
| Burlap pumpkin | Stuff the pumpkin with old bags and newspapers |
| Paint the pumpkin | Use chalk paint or acrylic paint |
| Wrap the pumpkin | Cover the pumpkin with pretty fabric |
| Glue on some fabric | Add old fabric, lace, feathers, or leaves |
| Make a wall hanging | Cut out the front of the pumpkin, add wire to the back |
| Donate to zoos or farms | Pumpkins can be used to feed animals |
| Compost | Chop into pieces and add to your compost pile |
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Burlap pumpkin
To make a burlap pumpkin, you will need a piece of burlap, preferably in a fall-inspired colour like orange. Cut the burlap into a circle with a 36-inch diameter. Cut four lengths of twine, each 48 inches long, and lay them out symmetrically on the backside of the burlap. To provide weight and stability to your pumpkin, fill a zip-lock bag with rocks, pinto beans, or similar items. Place the filled bag on top of the centre of the burlap and gather up the sides, cinching them tightly around the bag. Tie off the twine to create the pumpkin's ribs.
For an alternate no-sew method, cut a piece of burlap to 16 x 12 inches. Stitch or use heavy-duty hem tape to join the two 12-inch sides together, creating a sleeve. Turn the sleeve inside out and place a bundle of jute twine inside, with the knot protruding from one end. Secure one end with a rubber band and stuff the sleeve with polyfill. Close the other end with another rubber band and bring the jute strands up, pulling tightly to create the pumpkin sections. Tie each strand around the rubber band and then tie a knot around the top of the pumpkin to secure it.
You can decorate your burlap pumpkin with jute twine, buttons, and hot glue. Wrap the twine around the stem area and use the buttons to create a cute little stem. Burlap pumpkins make adorable fall decorations and are a great way to upcycle old plastic pumpkins.
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Pumpkin planter
If you have some old plastic pumpkins lying around, you can repurpose them into a whimsical tipsy pumpkin planter. This is a fairly inexpensive project that will add a touch of autumnal charm to your garden or home.
To make a tipsy pumpkin planter, you will need a few plastic pumpkins, a sturdy garden stake or metal rod at least four feet tall, and a power drill with a 3/4 inch spade bit. If you're using live plants, you'll also need potting soil to fill the pumpkins. Alternatively, if it's too late in the season for live plants, you can use artificial flowers and styrofoam inserts to hold the flowers in place.
Start by finding a stable place to insert the stake, such as an empty planter or a corner of your porch to prevent it from getting knocked over. Cut the plastic handles off the pumpkins, and then use the drill to enlarge the holes on the bottoms of the pumpkins or add a hole in the centre if there isn't one already. You'll also need to expand one of the handle holes on each pumpkin, making sure to go slowly at first to avoid cracking the pumpkin. The side you enlarge the handle hole on will depend on which way you want each pumpkin to tip. After drilling, ensure the holes are large enough for the pumpkins to slide easily over the stake.
Take your first pumpkin and slide it down over the stake, going through the middle hole and the enlarged handle hole. Repeat with the next pumpkin, sliding the stake through the opposite enlarged handle hole and resting it on the pumpkin below. Fill this pumpkin with soil and plants, making sure everything remains sturdy as you work. Continue adding pumpkins and plants, being careful to maintain the structure's stability.
Although this planter is reasonably steady, it is not as sturdy as those made with terracotta pots. Therefore, use caution when watering, and consider bringing the planter inside during high winds. At the end of the season, you can easily disassemble and store your tipsy pumpkin planter for future use.
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Paint the pumpkin
Painting your plastic pumpkin can be a fun way to decorate for Halloween or the Fall season. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you paint your plastic pumpkin:
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin
Start by selecting a pumpkin that has a smooth surface and a flat bottom, allowing it to stand steadily. Gently wipe the pumpkin with a cloth to remove any dirt or dust. If you have time, place the pumpkin in a sunny spot, like a windowsill, and let it sit for a week or two to cure completely.
Step 2: Seal the Pumpkin
Before painting, it is essential to seal your pumpkin. You can use a spray sealer or a brush-on sealer. Apply the sealant generously and evenly all over the pumpkin. Let the sealant dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Paint the Pumpkin
Now comes the creative part! Choose a paint that suits your desired look. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for pumpkin painting. You can go for a simple colour like black or white, or experiment with colours like orange, yellow, and white to create a candy corn design. If you want to get messy, try drip painting with milk paint or creating a drippy gold pattern. For a sleek look, paint classic black-and-white stripes or a chic checkered design.
You can also get creative with words by using a paintbrush or a paint pen to write Halloween phrases directly onto the pumpkin. For a spooky effect, use copper liquid leaf to paint a squiggly "drip line," and then fill in the rest with copper paint.
Step 4: Add Details
Once the paint is dry, you can decide if you want to add another coat for a more vibrant colour. At this point, you can also add extra details to your pumpkin. Use a hot glue gun, duct tape, craft foam, googly eyes, or any other decorations you like. If you're making this a project for kids, they will surely enjoy gluing on googly eyes and outlining them with glow-in-the-dark puffy paint.
Step 5: Seal Again
Finally, seal your pumpkin again with a clear coat of sealant. This step is crucial, especially if you plan to display your pumpkin outdoors. The sealant will protect your artwork from cracking or flaking. Follow the instructions on your sealant spray, and allow adequate time between coats.
Now you have a beautifully painted plastic pumpkin that you can display for years to come!
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Wall hanging
If you're looking for a way to hang old plastic pumpkins on your wall, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to use fishing line and remote-controlled tea lights to create a stunning display, especially at night. If you don't want to damage your walls, Command Strips are a great option for damage-free hanging. Alternatively, you can drill or nail into wooden walls, or use concrete bits and screws for brick or block walls. To ensure your pumpkins are evenly spaced, lay them out on the ground first to visualise their placement. Then, pre-drill holes for cup hooks above each pumpkin, standing on a stool or ladder for easier access. Cut the fishing line to the appropriate length, approximately 24 inches, and trim any excess after hanging.
For a creative twist, you can also try making a DIY stacked pumpkin topiary using upcycled plastic pumpkins. Begin by deciding on the order and number of pumpkins you want in your stack. Use the largest pumpkin as the base for stability. With sharp scissors or a craft knife, cut a small hole in the bottom of the middle and top pumpkins, ensuring it's large enough to fit the stem of the pumpkin below it. You can glue the pumpkins together and paint them to give them a consistent look. For added lighting, use plastic pumpkins with light attachments, or opt for pumpkins with pre-cut holes for easy lighting solutions.
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Glue on some fabric
If you have old plastic pumpkins lying around, you can repurpose them by gluing some fabric onto them. This is a simple way to give your pumpkins a new look and turn them into decorative pieces for your home.
First, you'll want to ensure that the plastic surface is ready for gluing. As plastic can be very smooth, it may be beneficial to roughen the surface a little to give the glue something to grip onto. You should also wash the plastic with a degreaser or a product like Dawn to remove any factory residue that could prevent the glue from bonding.
When it comes to choosing a glue, hot glue is a popular option for plastic. It is easy to peel off if you make a mistake, and it can be secured with a high-temperature glue gun. However, hot glue may not withstand hot temperatures, so keep your plastic pumpkins in a cool place. Other glues to consider are model glue, which can be found in hobby shops, and Gorilla Glue, which is essentially glue made from unexpanded spray foam.
There are many different fabric options to choose from when it comes to giving your pumpkins a new look. You can use different types of fabric to create a variety of textures and colours, and you can even adjust the size of the fabric to make your pumpkin taller or shorter. Simply cut your chosen fabric to size, fold it in half, and pin the material together before gluing it to your pumpkin.
You can further embellish your fabric-covered pumpkins with ribbons, twine, or a pumpkin leaf glued to the top. These decorations will add a unique touch to your pumpkins and make them truly your own.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to repurpose plastic pumpkins, including:
- Painting them
- Wrapping them in fabric
- Using them as planters
- Making them into wall hangings
- Donating them to friends or family with kids
If your plastic pumpkin is broken, you can try to fix it by covering the opening with duck tape and old bags to make the top look smooth and intact. You can then decorate it with paint, fabric, or other craft supplies.
If your plastic pumpkin is beyond repair, you can recycle it.
If you are looking to dispose of your plastic pumpkin, you can throw it out with the rest of your trash. However, please note that this will contribute to waste in landfills.
