I first saw pumpkin topiaries just after Halloween 2009. I knew right away that I wanted to make them the next year for our front porch. I had no idea the foam pumpkins were as pricey as they are (even with sales or discounts, 6 of them really added up). I never found pots or urns within my budget, either. So, I put that project on hold…at least for another year. Then, back in June, I found these awesome urns for $3.00, at the grocery store! Suddenly, pumpkin topiaries were in my head again and I began thinking of a cheap alternative to the foam pumpkins. Here is my finished topiary. I made with the pumpkins with newspaper, flour, and water (aka paper mache).
![](https://burtonavenue.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/440e6-topiary.jpg?w=258&h=400)
![](https://burtonavenue.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/440e6-topiary.jpg?w=258&h=400)
This is how I made the pumpkins (except I used newspaper as filler instead of plastic bags). It was time consuming, but I figured it was worth it (at least that’s what I kept telling myself). Mine didn’t turn out smooth enough to paint, so I decided to follow the trend and use Mod-Podge and fabric to cover them. The fabric was left over from a quilt I never finished started and the colors were perfect for fall. I bought some silk leaves and hot glued them between the layers. The toppers were left over from another project. I filled the pots with rocks and stuffed them with hay. They are under a covered porch, but I still might spray them with a protective finish.
![](https://burtonavenue.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0f688-topiary2.jpg?w=400&h=271)
Each topiary cost less than $5.00. But, best of all, they are done!
![](https://burtonavenue.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0f688-topiary2.jpg?w=400&h=271)
Each topiary cost less than $5.00. But, best of all, they are done!
Linking to these great parties:
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The pumpkins look wonderful, you did such a fantastic job!
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Love the pumpkins! Great that you used quilt fabric…I too have lots of fabric from unfinished or as you said never started projects! I'm a new follower via The Shabby Creek Cottage!
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Your pumpkins look great!!
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They look great & a fab way to use stuff you already had. Would love for you to link this to my Craftastic party:)
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They turned out so pretty! Sorry that it took so long to make! 🙂 Thanks for linking to Thrifty Thursday!
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I love your pumpkins!!! I wish I had the patience to make the paper mache ones. I just spent the ridiculous amount on the foam ones. I too was really shocked at how expensive they are. And they do not look as “fallish” as yours!!
INcredible job!!!
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I just saw your post on Inspiration Friday! How cute your topiaries are!! I am now your newest follower; and I hope you will follow me, too! Many blessings to you!
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Your front porch is darling! I love it and it's making me want to make some too even.
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You said they didn't turn out well enough to paint… shucks they look GREAT from this angle! Nice job:)
Visiting form The Shabby Nest Linky Party,
~Suzanne in NW IL
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This looks great. I think the fabric adds more character to the pumpkins. Love it! Found you over at Chic on a Shoestring, now a follower!
Have a great weekend,
Rachel~
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These are so cute! Love them – pinning on my Pinterest board too. Thanks for sharing!
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These are great, love that you can reuse them every year! Thanks for linking up at Beyond the Picket Fence.
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Those are so pretty!
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This is awesome! Your porch looks like it's ready for fall weather…Would love it if you would link this up to our Rockin' link party going on now at RoCa and Company. Here is the link: http://rocaandcompany.blogspot.com/2011/10/you-rock-5.html. Come and show off what you got. Hope to see you there…
Remember…YOU ROCK!!
Carmen @ RoCa and Company
http://www.rocaandcompany.blogspot.com
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These are just amazing! I would love you to share this post at my blog party this weekend. Hope you can make it.
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These are GREAT! Really love your style.
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Love a budget friendly craft, especially one using items already on hand! Great job! Visiting via TT&J
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Looks SO cute! Visiting from TT&J!
http://www.chrissyandnathan.blogspot.com
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Great display! I can't believe you really made those pumpkins out of paper mache. Oh, and I'd kill for $3 urns. 🙂
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You did a great job! Love them! Stopping by from Along for the Ride link party.
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Wow! I love them! the best thing about making them on your own..you can make them any size you want! I'm your newest follower, please check out my blog!
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Most excellent! Now that we're in a new house with a sheltered porch, this is definitely on my make it list. Yours look great!
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They look so great! Good job!
New follower from I Heart Nap Time.
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These are so cute, What a great job! You must a a covered porch,do they fall apart if not? Would you post at my Sunday's Best party going on now! Too cute not to share!
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Fantastic fall post! Love those gorgeous colours. Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
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I DO like them! Displaying them as a topiary is brilliant =)
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They turned out great! I have always wanted to do this at my house to, but wasn't willing to spent the $. I just may have to try your alternative. Thanks!
Jeanna @ dramaqueenseams.blogspot.com
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These are as cute as can be. I want to make one.
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These are gorgeous! I too find the foam pumpkins out of my budget. I may have to give this a try!
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that is absolutely FABULOUS! i love the variation in color. and for the same reasons, i haven't made them, either. you are spot on-even at half off, those faux pumpkins are like 3-6 bucks. x2. plus urns. you've given me hope that i could maybe do this, too!
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So cute! Thanks for sharing it at Weekend Craft Soiree! 🙂
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I saw your post on Inspiration Friday, and visited here at once. How cute your orderings are. I am now your newest follower and I hope you will share more fun work with us.
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What a super idea and they turned out so cute and with so much character…much nicer than the usual pumpkins. Very cleaver!
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I love your topiary! Thanks for linking up with me for Friday Favorites. I'm featuring you this week. Come by and grab my featured button if you'd like one.
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These look great, but when I try to get to the tutorial, it says it can't display it. Any ideas?
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$3 for those urns??? Nuh uh. No way… I love your pumpkin topiaries – they look great on your porch!
I'd love for you to link up to my pumpkin party:
“Pumpkinspiration Party!
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You did such a fantastic job with those pumpkins – super cute! I'd love for you to come link up at my party and share your pumpkins with my readers: http://www.momontimeout.com/2011/10/taking-timeout-thursday-link-party-no-1.html
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$3 urns? oh my!
your pumpkin topiaries look great!
gail
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Super, super cute! I agree that those faux pumpkins are pricey. Love that you found a less expensive alternative. I'm a new follower.
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Cutest little front porch I have seen in a long time! So welcoming & happy! Those pumpkins are adorable! I love them all! Thanks for sharing this @ Show & Share!
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Thanks a lot with regard to sharing. Maintain blogging.
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