A few weeks ago, the weather gave us the shyest hint that fall was coming and immediately I became more cheerful and optimistic. Fall always makes me feel hopeful and relaxed, like I want to take things easier, slow down, and just savor the season.
Naturally, at the first sign of browning leaves, I went straight to the craft store to stock up on my fall-themed craft supplies. Of course, I go straight for the most colorful aisle in the store – the ribbon section. I’m frequently attracted to ribbons, but can never figure out how to craft with them in a way that doesn’t look tacky. I thought I’d try my luck at shaping the wired ribbon into a pumpkin, using a particularly shimmery one to add to my collection of glitter pumpkins (my favorite!). Plus, using a glittered ribbon seemed like a safe way to incorporate glitter into my décor without getting it everywhere.
Lately, my busy days are making it hard for me to sit down and really enjoy a day of full crafting, so I have to supplement with smaller things I can do during a one-hour TV session. This craft took maybe 10 minutes from start to finish.
Supplies:
- Sheer, wired-edge, 1- or 2-inch ribbon, like this or this (non-sheer)
- Clear tape (not necessary, but makes it easier)
- Craft/jewelry wire or a twist-tie
- Cinnamon stick
Cut four equal sized strips from the ribbon, mine were about 14 inches. You’ll want to leave an additional 1 – 2 inches on the ends to wrap them. The longer the ribbon, the bigger the pumpkin. I recommend keeping them small, since the ribbon isn’t the sturdiest.
I used a “template pumpkin” to get a good size.
Take the first two ribbons and cross them right at the middle. Temporarily tape them down to hold in place.
Add the third ribbon, diagonally intersecting the other two. Then add the fifth ribbon, crossing diagonally the other way across the existing ribbons. Secure with tape.
This part is a little tricky. Slowly start twisting the open ends of the ribbon together, until they’re all bunched and have closed the top.
Secure by wrapping a wire around the ends.
Sometimes the ribbons get pushed around in the process, but simply puff them out and help mold them into a pumpkin shape. Remove the tape (I forgot when I was photographing). As long as the pumpkin isn’t moved around too much, it should keep its shape just fine. Then add a cinnamon stick for a stem!
You can pick up a few different colors of ribbon to have an entire ribbon pumpkin patch!
Pin it here: