Faux Rusty Pumpkin made with Dollar Tree Trays

I have seen the cutest pumpkins made from 3 Dollar Tree metal trays & I just HAD to put my own spin on it! I used one of my favorite ways to create faux rust, MOD PODGE & CINNAMON! Yes, I am completely obsessed with this crafty technique….& I will be sure to link some other projects I’ve done with the same faux rust at the end! I’m also thrilled with how this Faux Rusty Pumpkin added the perfect touch to my FALL MANTEL STYLING!

Keep reading & I’m sharing a complete Supply List, along with all the steps for you to make your very own! Run, don’t walk to Dollar Tree LOL!

**This post may contain referral links to products used. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only refer products I use & love!

Here are the SUPPLIES I used:

• 3 Dollar Tree Oval Metal Trays (or maybe repurpose thrifted ones)
• Cinnamon
• 2 Paper Plates (to catch & sprinkle cinnamon)
• Mod Podge
• Brown Floral Wire (I got mine at Hobby Lobby, but I linked something similar on Amazon)
• Dark Brown Paint (Burnt Umber by Folk Art Paint)
• Fall Florals (Hobby Lobby)
• Ribbons & Ripped Fabric (Hobby Lobby)
• Jute String
• Couple of Jumbo 10in Popsicle Sticks (could also use wooden shims or paint stir sticks)
• Hot Glue Gun
• E6000 Industrial Glue
• Paint Brushes
• Natural Sponge
• Wire Cutters
• Scissors

STEP 1:

Brush mod podge decoupaging glue all over front side of tray & while it’s still wet, sprinkle on cinnamon. Using the paper plates shake off excess. Now this gets kind of messy, but it smells awesome lol. Continue until all areas are mostly covered in cinnamon. It’s really up to you how much silver you leave showing through. Let it set for a few minutes before moving onto Step 2.

STEP 2:

Next, you’ll want to brush a generous coat of mod podge to seal in all the cinnamon goodness. Let that completely dry before moving onto Step 3.

STEP 3:

You could actually skip this step, but I wanted a bit more color variation on my faux rust. I used a dark brown acrylic paint(Folk Art “Burnt Umber” color) & a natural sponge to add that extra touch. Once that is dry, you can move onto Step 4.

STEP 4:

It’s time for assembly!! Now, like I mentioned in the intro, I have seen this idea before…..but after seeing other tutorials, I wasn’t fully confident it would be made well by just glueing all the trays together. This is where Popsicle Sticks popped into my head. I used them as braces on the back to hold 2 of the trays together. You could also use something like wooden shims or paint stir sticks. I used a combination of hot glue & industrial glue to attach them to the 2 trays.

STEP 5:

After allowing a few minutes for hot glue to set, flip the braced pumpkins over & use the same glue combo to attach last tray in the center. This is where you really see the PUMPKIN shape come to life. Isn’t it just amazing all the things you can turn into pumpkins!?

STEP 6:

Let’s add a stem! I chose to wrap up brown floral wire & twist to create a whimsical, rustic stem. I then use a BUNCH of hot glue to attach to back. You’ll need to hold this in place until the glue cools. I also thought of using wrapped popsicle stick or old spindle. I’d love to hear some other ideas you think would be super cute! Once that dries all the way, move to Step 7.

STEP 7:

I used a beautiful, fall floral stem & used wire cutters to snip off enough to start making a swag for top of pumpkin. I picked this one up at Hobby Lobby. I just love the textures in this one…it had gorgeous dried naturals & warm fall colors. It’ll go perfectly with my rusty pumpkin! I did think it needed one more touch though!

STEP 8:

Of course it needed a shabby, rustic bow to finish off the look! I used a variety of burlap colored ribbon, along with rusty orange, green plaid & muslin ripped fabrics. I cut a few strips of each (approx. 8in long). I built the bow in my hand using a crisscross pattern. I then used natural jute string to tie tightly. I then attached the bow to the center of my floral swag.

STEP 9:

Lastly, using hot glue, I secured the bow & floral swag to the center of the pumpkin. I chose to place it just below the stem. Hold with firm pressure until hot glue cools & sets. Ta Da!!!

Additional notes: I think this would be adorable leaning, on an easel, or even hanging. You could glue fabric/burlap to the back give it a more finished look and cover up the popsicle stickes and glue dobs. So many variations with this one. Paint & embellish it to match your decor! If you do, I’d just LOVE to know!

IS THIS NOT JUST SO GORGEOUS??!! If you enjoyed this project idea & technique, please let me know! Want to save it for later?! You can also hover over the finished images to save to your Pinterest boards! IF you want to see it styled on my fall mantel, go HERE for inspiration! Happy Fall Y’all & thanks for stopping by the blog, have a great day!

Stay creative, Summer 🙂

If you want to see some other ways I’ve used this fun, faux rust technique, check out these projects too! Plastic Christmas Bell Makeover Dollar Windmill on Beadboard Fleur De Lis Door Decor