Seashell Pumpkin – DIY Coastal Fall Decor Pumpkin

Do you love seashells and the coastal look? Create this unique DIY seashell pumpkin to decorate your home for the fall season.
Lately, I’ve been drawn towards all things coastal, but there’s a problem. There aren’t many choices other than wreaths when it comes to DIY fall coastal home decor. While I love a good wreath, I wanted a fall coastal pumpkin to place in the entryway and mantel. So, I decided to create my own fall coastal seashell pumpkin using the seashells and foam pumpkins from my craft stash!

Sea Shell Pumpkin

Supplies:

• small foam pumpkin
• glue gun/glue sticks
• craft glue
• clean seashells
• white or beige paint (I use white chalk paint)
• paint brush
• 2 cans or other items to hold the pumpkin up
• napkins
• optional – toothpicks

How to:

Painting – Seashell Pumpkin Base

• Paint the entire pumpkin. Let dry. Repeat 2-3 times until it is well covered.
• Optional – If replacing the pumpkin stem with a shell, remove the pumpkin stem after the outside of the pumpkin is painted. I remove the stem later because I use it to help rotate the pumpkin as I paint. Once the stem is removed, paint any orange areas under the stem and let dry.

Decorating – Seashell Pumpkin

The outside of the pumpkin can be decorated in many ways. I’m sharing how I decorated my seashell pumpkin, so feel free to decorate your pumpkin any way you like.

• Optional – If replacing the pumpkin stem, make a small hole just large enough to partially insert the shell. Hot glue the shell in place.
• Starting with the larger shells, add them vertically to the outside of the pumpkin. I used the pumpkin ridges as my guide. Start from the top, about 1 1/2″ from the pumpkin stem and glue towards the bottom. To ensure the pumpkin lays flat, do not glue shells on the bottom.

• Holding the pumpkin with one hand, tilt it on its side. Generously fill in one area between the large shells with craft glue.
• Set small shells into the glue, using a toothpick to push shells into place.
• Wipe away any glue that seeps out of place.
• Prop the pumpkin on its side between two cans (use whatever you have) to prevent the shells from sliding down. Periodically check the shells for movement and push them back into place. Wipe away any glue that seeps out of the place. Let dry.
• Only doing 2 – 3 side sections at a time, repeat the steps to add the small shells until the entire pumpkin is filled in. Make sure to let each section dry before rotating the pumpkin or the shells will shift.
• Next, add craft glue to the top portion of the pumpkin and add small seashells. Let dry and display!

What’s your favorite way to decorate for fall?

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More seashell crafts…