How to make a Halloween Pumpkin

 Oh it is hot!   Dog days of summer are upon us.  You know what that means...fall is coming and so is Halloween!!!     I know it's a bit early but with crafting we have to start early.  Today we are going to make a pumpkin.   I was going to say "little pumpkin", but you can make it as big or as little as you want.

Supplies and Equipment/

Wood of your choosing (enough to cut out 8-12  pumpkin ribs) plus 2 circles.   (I used 1/4" birch plywood because mine was going to be a small centerpiece)

Yard scrap (for pumpkin stem)

Wood glue

wood clamps or clothespins if small.

Proxxon mini bandsaw with scroll saw blade or Proxxon mini scroll saw.

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander

Plaid paints and or other embellishments

pencil and tracing paper.

Here is the pattern I started with.  I fit 2 ribs in a small square.   I will need to repeat this pattern 4 or more times to make 8 - 12 ribs.   cut 2 circles in proportion to your rib pieces.

I traced my pattern onto my wood piece then proceeded to cut them out.   I am using the Proxxon mini band saw in the picture below.   It cuts the tightest curves.  I am impressed.  This is the first time I have used this saw blade.   WOW!

I got all my pieces cut, and then I sand them using the Proxxon OZIE delta sander.  I love how it gets into all the curves.  It has adjustable speeds too.   If your cutting is not perfect don't worry.  Pumpkins are very forgiving.

Next comes the part that is a little bit tricky.  If I can do it, you can, it takes just a little bit of patience.   We are going to glue it all together.   Use enough glue.   Let it get just a little bit sticky before you position your piece so it will stick some.    I used clothes pins to hold mine.  

Glue the bottom of the "ribs" to underneath the circle piece  as in the picture below.   Let this dry.   (Note- the tops of the "ribs" are lining up)    I did this 2 at a time and let dry in between.  (takes some finger dexterity)

I glued the second circle to the underside of  the top of the pumpkin.

Then I painted the pumpkin using Plaid paints.  I got my stem ready to go when the paint dries.

All done.   I painted a little egg to sit on the circle.   If I had made my pumpkin a little bigger I would place a candle on the stand.   I plan to make one about 12"-14" tall to sit on the porch this year.

Thanks for visiting.   Thank you Proxxon tools and Plaid paints.   I work with the best!

Catch ya next time.   Take care, and please be safe!!!   Carol

How to Create a Pumpkin with Proxxon Tools

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today showing you how to create a quick and easy pumpkin with Proxxon Tools.

I drew a pumpkin shape on a scrap of plywood.  My pumpkin measures approximately 9", but with a larger piece of wood, you could create a massive pumpkin for the upcoming Fall season.

Using the Scroll Saw, I to cut around the pattern.

Plywood tends to split a lot so I used the Disc Sander to sand the raw edges on both sides.

To smooth the smaller areas, I used the Delta Sander - I love it's angled head which allows me to get into the smallest of areas.

Next, I painted the pumpkin with Plaid's Folk Art Outdoor Paint in Geranium.  Since it is going to sit outdoors, this paint was perfect as it is self sealing and weather resistant.  Once dry, I painted on a layer of crackle medium and let it sit for 24 hours.  Once dry, I knew the crackle medium would provide some fun dimension on the pumpkin.

Next I used a stencil with modeling paste to create "warts" randomly about the pumpkin.

To finish, I spritzed the pumpkin with several colors of spray inks and inked the edges with assorted colors of ink in green, yellow and orange to give the pumpkin lots of dimension.  Then I tied some raffia to it's handle.   Because I added the inks I didn't think the pumpkin would be weather resistant so I sprayed on a sealer to be safe.

This is an easy project and fun for the upcoming Fall season.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hello Fall Wooden Mason Jar

Hello friends, Larissa here with you today with a Hello Fall Wooden Mason Jar.

What I used: 

Proxxon Tools: 

Table Saw, Delta Sander, Scroll Saw

Other Products: 

Plaid FolkArt Home Decor Black Chalk Paint

Plaid Delta Ceramcoat Silver Paint 

Plaid Martha Stewart Crafts Paint Brushes

Crafter's Companion Flower Die

Felt Asst Colors

Ribbon

Beacon Fabri-Tac 

Chalk Marker

First off as always I draw whatever it is I am going to be cutting out of the wood. I cut the sides using the Table Saw and the corners using the Scroll Saw. I could have done it all with the Scroll Saw but I had them both sitting right there so I just played around.

I used my Delta Sander and smoothed the edges and any rough areas on the wood. 

I painted two layers of Black Chalk paint on the jar and two coats of the silver paint for the lid. 

Once dry I wrote with chalk on the jar and tied a ribbon in a bow around the top. To finish it off I added a big felt flower in fall colors to the top corner. 

I hope you enjoyed my post today. Have a wonderful week friends. 

Larissa Pittman