How To Make An Easy Pumpkin & Wood Bead Garland For Fall
Do you like Pottery Barn-inspired decor that you can make for less? I’m excited to share how to make this easy pumpkin-and-wood-bead garland for fall. Pottery Barn’s $59.00 garland inspired me to recreate the style in minutes for just under $25.00.
This pumpkin garland craft is easy for anyone with little to no crafting skills to make. Let me show you how easy it is to make.
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Pottery Barn Inspired Pumpkin Garland
I love browsing all the new seasonal decor on Pottery Barn. More often than not, I find something I love, but I always look for a way to duplicate the look if possible. This year, I was drawn to the pumpkin garland with large wooden beads. Below is the Pottery Barn $59.00 version.
How To Make Pumpkin & Wood Bead Garland Affordable
Since I wasn’t willing to pay $59.00 for the Pottery Barn Garland, I decided to see if I could make it for less. My first search was for large wooden beads, and the price of those 1.5-inch beads discouraged me. However, then I saw a ready-made bead garland for less than the cost of the individual beads. As a bonus, the tassels were already attached. I found the fabric pumpkins I used for 40% off at Hobby Lobby. Here are the supplies I used, along with some options.
Supply List
- Wood Bead Garland 58″ (once I added the pumpkins, it was 72″ long)
- Jute Twine
- Large Needle
- Hobby Lobby Fabric Pumpkins (12) or Felt Mini Pumpkins (includes Jute Twine)
- Clear Command Hangers For Mantel
- Coffee for staining the beads (optional)
Step 1 – Disassemble the Wood Bead Garland
I wanted to add the pumpkins to the garland, so I first disassembled the ready-made one. It was easy to cut the tassels from the ends of the garland and remove all the wood beads.
Step 2 – Stain Wood Beads (optional)
I wanted to stain the wood beads for a rustic feel. However, you may choose to leave the beads natural. If so, you can skip this step.
I only wanted a light stain, so I added the beads to a large bowl and soaked them in coffee. I stirred the beads several times and let them soak for approximately 30 minutes.
Once the beads are stained to your satisfaction, remove them from the coffee and set them on paper towels to dry.
Insider Tip
There are several options to finish the wooden beads. You can use the options to customize your garland to work with your fall decor. Here are some options to consider for your garland.
- Leave the beads natural wood.
- Stain with coffee or tea for a light rustic look.
- Use wood stain to get a deeper color.
- Paint the beads with spray paint in a matte, satin, or gloss finish.
- Paint the wooden beads with craft paint. Here are some creative options.
- Orange
- Yellow
- Brown
- Plum
- Note: If you paint with craft paint, the beads will be dull. You may want to seal with a gloss or matte spray sealer. This will also protect the paint from chipping.
Step 3 – Create Pumpkin & Wood Bead Garland
Once the beads have dried, begin to create the pumpkin and wood bead garland.
First, thread a large needle with the jute twine. Ensure that you have a length of twine more than double the length of your finished garland. My original bead garland was 58″, and I knew I would add the pumpkins to create a 72″ garland. Therefore, I used approximately 170 inches of twine to allow for two strands.
I added a piece of tape to the jute to prevent it from unraveling while threading the needle. You can also use a needle threader.
Pull the twine through the needle until you are at the halfway point. This will give you two strands of twine for your beads.
Next, I reattached one of the tassels to the end of the twine. Pull the twine through the center of the tassel and tie the ends to secure. You will now have a needle at one end and the tassel at the other end of your two strands of jute.
Now, begin adding the stained wood beads and small pumpkins to the jute twine using the large needle.
I added two beads next to the tassel, followed by a pumpkin. Then I added three beads, then a pumpkin, and repeated this pattern until I was almost to the end of the garland.
As I was running out of beads, I added two beads, then my last pumpkin, and finally my last bead at the end of the garland. To complete the garland, I reattached the last tassel.
Insider Tip
When adding the fabric pumpkins, it was important to position the needle in the middle of my pumpkins. If I placed it too high, I ran into the hard stem, making it difficult to pull the jute twine through.
If you are using very dense pumpkins, you may want to test before beginning to ensure the twine can pull through. It may be necessary to use only one strand of twine or opt for a smoother material to thread your beads and pumpkins.
DIY Pumpkin & Wood Bead Garland For Fall
The garland turned out perfect for our mantel. It measures 72″, which is the size of the Pottery Barn version.
The stained beads and soft texture of the pumpkins create a stunning visual display for fall.
How To Hang Garland Without Damaging Your Mantel
What did we do with Command Strips? These clear Command Hooks were easy to attach to the mantel and hold the garland in place. Just follow the instructions on the package, and it’s easy peasy. Best of all, there is no damage to our Shabby Chic Mantel. You can see the link for the ones I used under Supplies at the beginning of the post.
Optional Uses For Fall Garlands
Although I plan to use the wood bead and pumpkin garland on my mantel this fall, there are several ways to decorate with fall garlands.
In addition to mantels, add garlands to decorate these areas of your home.
- Drape over your doorways.
- Hang a garland from a pegboard shelf.
- Add a garland as a table centerpiece or runner for a festive tablescape.
- Use the garland as a bowl filler.
- Decorate above a window.
- Hang a garland on a wall or over a painting.
- Drape from the edge of a shelf.
- Over a porch swing.
You can see the placecard tutorial at “DIY Wood Pumpkins & Place Card Holders with Wood Biscuits”.
I hope you enjoyed this easy fall garland tutorial, and I look forward to sharing more ideas with you soon.
Actually I like your rendition of this Pottery Barn garland better than your inspiration one. Thanks for the
clear directions. Thinking of you on your journey of healing and wishing you the best.
Donna,
You are so sweet to say this. I appreciate your support and well wishes. I hope you have a blessed week.
What a great project, Rachel! It looks better than Pottery Barn’s! Nice job! xo
Kim,
I’m so glad you like this one. It’s so easy!
I love all your Fall creations. Fun, creative and helpful. I’m always impressed when I receive your post!
I continue to pray for your “Healing Journey “ and completely agree with your daughter. Our God is still in the restoration business. 💐
Jan,
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I’m so blessed to have your well wishes and prayers. Have a blessed week.
Rachel, The pumpkins and beads you put together make a cute fall garland, thank you for your clear tutorial. I continue to pray for your healing and health.
Angie,
I’m so glad you like this project. It’s so easy to make. I also appreciate your prayers and continued support. Bless you!