DIY Pumpkin Idea Made From Placemat & Rope

Do you love pumpkins that have different textures? This DIY pumpkin was so fun to make and I just love how it came out!
Below you will find the items and steps to show just how easy it is to create one of your very own.

Have you seen these styrofoam pumpkins in your Dollar Tree? If so grab a few! There are so many ideas to create with these.

The next item is this nautical rope pictured above from Dollar Tree. I used only one rope for the pumpkin.

The next item is this super cute placemat from Wal-mart. Yes a placemat! When I see this I absolutely loved the braids. The braids are sewn together by a piece of thread but it was so easy to separate. You can use a seam ripper or a pair of small craft scissors (shown in picture). You will need about 12 braids for the pumpkin.

Of course a stem is need and pictured above is the bark I used. I just hot glued two pieces together. (This is found in the Christmas section at Hobby Lobby)
Hint: A stick in your backyard will also do the trick.

Next I use spanish moss around the top of the pumpkin. This is super easy to use and can be found in most stores. This serves two purposes, one the texture is great and two it covers the ends of the rope and braids around the top.

To top it off use some raffia for the bow around the stem.
Instructions:
First step is to cut the stem out of the styrofoam pumpkin. This will give you the hole you need to add your bark stem later. Next add your rope and braids to your pumpkin.
Begin by first grabbing your hot glue gun. As you know mine is the Ryobi Hot Glue Gun, its amazing! Has rechargeable battery so no cord to tie you to the wall. So portable and easy to use! Here is a link if you would like to learn more about the Ryobi. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757YYYN4/ref=as_sl_pc_as_ss_li_til?tag=southerncr02a-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=46f7f648d2554142f41646b9dea0906a&creativeASIN=B0757YYYN4
Beginning at the top of the pumpkin where the stem was removed place your first piece of rope. Go all the way around the pumpkin, hot gluing as you go. Cut the rope when you reach the top of the other side and then begin the same process with the braids. Alternating the rope and braid.
Once the pumpkin is completely covered with the braids and rope then you are ready to add your bark stem. I did not hot glue mine in. I just pushed it into the hole. That way I could adjust it to a height that I liked.
Final step is hot glue the moss around the bark and make a messy bow out of the raffia.
Side note: fall leaves can be also added to the top as well.
Look how sweet this is! So fun and super cute too!
