As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, it's time to embrace the fall season. One beloved tradition during this time of year is decorating with pumpkins. While carving spooky faces is a classic Halloween activity, not everyone is a fan of the mess and potential waste that comes with it. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly and kid-friendly way to celebrate autumn, this DIY project is perfect for you. These decorative pumpkins are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly, making them an environmentally conscious choice. Plus, this project is safe and easy, with no knives or toxic glue required. Let's create some sustainable pumpkin decorations that are perfect for your home.

Materials Needed:

  • Pumpkins (white pumpkins work well for this project)
  • Pressed flowers and leaves
  • A book
  • Brush
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon of vinegar
  • 350 ml of water
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch

Step 1: Preparing Pressed Flowers and Leaves

  1. Venture into your garden, the forest, or any other location where you can find beautiful flowers and leaves.
  2. Place the flowers and leaves between the pages of a book, ensuring they are neatly arranged.
  3. Add some weight on top of the book to keep the flowers and leaves pressed, and leave them like this for about 14 days.

Step 2: Creating Natural Glue

  1. In a small pan, combine 180 ml of water, maple syrup or honey, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining water with the cornstarch until you achieve a smooth consistency.
  3. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan while continuously whisking. Let it boil for about one minute.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the glue cool.
  5. Transfer the glue into an airtight container for later use.

Step 3: Making the Biodegradable Pumpkins

  1. Begin by cleaning the pumpkins with a damp cloth.
  2. Apply a thin layer of the natural glue to the area where you want to place a flower.
  3. Carefully position the pressed flower onto the glued area and then add another layer of glue on top to secure it in place.
  4. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly, and you'll have a beautiful, biodegradable pumpkin decoration.
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These pumpkins will last the longest when displayed indoors due to their biodegradable nature.

With this simple and eco-friendly DIY project, you can create lovely sustainable pumpkin decorations that celebrate the beauty of autumn without harming the environment. This is a wonderful activity to do with children, and you can enjoy the process of collecting flowers and leaves from nature. These pumpkins make charming additions to your fall decor and, when their time is up, they can be composted without leaving a trace. So, go ahead and enjoy an eco-friendly and creative autumn season.

Creator: Theresa

Instagram: @stylingby_soevig

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