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Every fall, there’s one craft that seems to never go out of style: rustic wood pumpkins. Whether you’re decorating your own home or selling at a craft fair, these cozy farmhouse accents are a sure win. They’re charming, durable, and endlessly customizable—exactly the kind of seasonal décor people want to bring into their homes year after year.
The best part? Rustic wood pumpkins are surprisingly beginner-friendly. With just a few tools (or even none at all if you choose ready-made cutouts), you can create something that looks high-end, adds instant fall charm, and could even turn into a profitable seasonal side hustle.
Here’s how to make rustic wood pumpkins that not only look beautiful but also sell out every fall.
Why Rustic Wood Pumpkins Are Always in Demand
Wooden pumpkins have lasting appeal because they combine the warmth of fall with the clean, neutral look people love in farmhouse décor. Unlike real pumpkins, they don’t rot or need replacing each year, which means buyers are happy to spend a little more knowing they’ll be able to use them season after season.
They also hit that sweet spot of being simple enough for beginners to make while offering endless creative possibilities for sellers. You can distress them for a weathered look, paint them in modern neutrals, or dress them up with twine, bows, and lettering. The possibilities really are limitless, which makes them so appealing to both crafters and customers.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
If you want to make your own rustic wood pumpkins, here are the basics:
- Wood: Scrap plywood, pallet boards, fence posts, or reclaimed planks
- Tools: Jigsaw (to cut pumpkin shapes), sander, and drill
- Extras: Hot glue, wood glue, or nails depending on your design
- Finishes: Chalk paint, acrylic paint, stain, or even whitewash
- Stems: Real twigs, wooden dowels, cinnamon sticks, or clay
- Embellishments: Twine, burlap ribbon, raffia, metal leaves, stenciled lettering
If you don’t have power tools, don’t worry. I’ll share an easier option using pre-cut wood pumpkins you can buy at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or online.
Step 1: Cut and Shape Your Pumpkin
If you’re starting from raw wood, trace a pumpkin silhouette onto plywood or a reclaimed plank. Keep it simple—a rounded oval with a little notch for the stem works perfectly.
Use a jigsaw to carefully cut along your outline. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic charm is what makes these pumpkins so inviting. In fact, slightly irregular edges often add character.
Step 2: Sand and Smooth
Once your pumpkin shape is cut, sand down the edges and surface until they’re smooth to the touch. This step is key not only for a professional look but also for safety if you plan to sell them.
If you’re using planks, you can also glue several boards together side by side and cut your pumpkin shape across them. This gives a lovely “striped” farmhouse effect once painted or stained.
Step 3: Build Dimension
Rustic wood pumpkins can be flat, but adding a bit of dimension makes them stand out:
- Planked Look: Glue reclaimed boards onto a backing piece, then cut into a pumpkin silhouette. The seams add that farmhouse “barnwood” feel.
- Block Style: Use thick wood blocks cut into chunky pumpkin shapes—these make great tabletop décor.
- Log Slice Pumpkins: If you have access to firewood, cut large slices of logs and attach stems. These make rustic centerpieces.
Step 4: Create the Stem
The stem is where you can add personality. Try one of these options:
- Insert a branch or stick into the top for a natural, rustic touch.
- Use a wooden dowel or spindle for a cleaner farmhouse style.
- Mold a stem out of air-dry clay for a custom shape.
- Wrap stems in jute or twine for texture.
Finish by tying on a little raffia, burlap ribbon, or even a mini metal leaf charm for detail.
Step 5: Paint, Stain, or Distress
This is the fun part—color brings your pumpkins to life.
- Classic Farmhouse: White chalk paint with light distressing around the edges.
- Modern Rustic: Muted tones like sage, gray, cream, or terracotta.
- Playful Fall: Traditional pumpkin orange with a matte finish.
- Striped or Patterned: Mask off sections with painter’s tape to create vertical stripes, buffalo check patterns, or even polka dots.
After painting, you can sand lightly around the edges for a weathered, vintage look. A quick coat of clear sealer will help protect them if they’ll be used outdoors.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Here’s where creativity shines:
- Tie rustic twine, raffia, or burlap around the stem.
- Stencil or hand-letter words like “Harvest,” “Welcome,” or “Happy Fall.”
- Add wooden leaves, metal embellishments, or faux florals tucked near the stem.
- For sets, vary the heights and widths so buyers can style them in groups.
These little touches make each pumpkin feel special and unique—exactly what buyers look for at markets or online.
No-Power-Tool Option: Store-Bought Cutouts
Not ready to pick up a jigsaw? You can still make gorgeous rustic pumpkins using store-bought cutouts.
Both Hobby Lobby and Michaels sell unfinished wood pumpkins in a range of sizes—from small plaques to large pallet-style cutouts. These are inexpensive, lightweight, and perfect for beginners.
With these, you can:
- Paint them in farmhouse neutrals or bold fall hues.
- Add twine bows, ribbon, or burlap strips.
- Stencil words or fall motifs directly onto the surface.
- Drill a small hole and add a ribbon to turn them into trendy pumpkin door hangers.
Door hangers are especially popular right now, making them an excellent option for sellers. People love switching them out seasonally, and rustic pumpkins fit both fall and Halloween décor.
Selling Tips to Help Them Fly Off the Table
If you’re planning to sell your wood pumpkins, keep these tips in mind:
- Start early: Begin making them in summer so you have stock by September.
- Bundle sets: Sell two or three in different sizes as a package—buyers love groupings.
- Offer customization: Add names, monograms, or sayings for an extra fee.
- Price smartly: Handmade wood pumpkins typically sell for $30–$40 depending on size and finish. Sets or larger pieces can go higher.
- Market the benefits: Emphasize that these are reusable, durable, and unique compared to store-bought décor.
Craft fairs, Etsy, and even Facebook Marketplace are great outlets for rustic pumpkins—they’re the kind of seasonal item that gets snapped up quickly.
Safety and Beginner Tips
If you’re cutting your own pumpkins:
- Always wear eye protection when using power tools.
- Start with softer wood like pine, which is easier to cut.
- Practice on scrap pieces before cutting your main designs.
If you’re working with store-bought cutouts:
- Sand the edges for a smoother, more professional finish.
- Add hanging hardware securely if making door hangers.
- Don’t skip the final sealer coat—it helps your finish last.
Final Thoughts
Rustic wood pumpkins have earned their place as a fall craft staple for good reason. They’re affordable to make, fun to decorate, and they sell consistently every single year. Whether you’re cutting them yourself from reclaimed wood or personalizing store-bought cutouts into stylish door hangers, the possibilities are endless.
With just a little creativity—think farmhouse stripes, neutral chalk paint, twine-tied stems, or trendy stenciled lettering—you can create pieces that feel one-of-a-kind. And that’s exactly what people are looking for when they decorate their homes for fall.
So gather your supplies, invite a friend over for a crafting afternoon, and start making rustic wood pumpkins that will either cozy up your own space or fly off the table at your next craft fair. Chances are, they’ll sell out before you know it.
