Beautiful Chinoiserie Pumpkin Planters

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I’ve long admired the look of chinoiserie for fall. The contrast of blue and white patterns with bold fall colors always looks sophisticated and timeless. I decided to pair my love of decoupage with gardening by making chinoiserie pumpkin planters to enjoy throughout the season.

Pumpkin decorated with chinoiserie style napkins and filled with creeping jenny plant, marigolds, and dianthus.

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Decoupage is such a versatile way to adorn any object. Over the years, I’ve tried to decoupage nearly every material I can find! I’ve made decoupage flower pots with napkins, decoupage tin cans, and decoupage pumpkins with Dollar Tree supplies.

Since I love bringing nature into my crafts, I decided to try making a decoupage pumpkin planter that I could use both indoors and outdoors. (We live in a humid subtropical climate, so it stays warm well into the Christmas season.)

This pumpkin planter is beautiful enough to enjoy as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving or as a decoration for an outdoor patio. Plus, you can reuse it every year! I hope you enjoy making one as much as I did.

How to Make a Pumpkin Planter

I’m using a faux pumpkin for this project, but you can substitute a real pumpkin too. For a real pumpkin, I suggest adding a liner inside before adding soil. You’ll also want to protect the surface underneath any pumpkin planter to capture excess water.

For more fall inspiration, be sure to visit my collection of over 17 pumpkin crafts to try with your friends and family.

Supplies

Faux pumpkin, Mod Podge, napkins, paintbrush, and scissors.

Faux pumpkin (9-inch pumpkin or 6-inch pumpkin)
Utility knife
Drill or hammer and nails
Chinoiserie napkins
Scissors
Mod Podge Multi
Plastic food wrap

Step 1: Cut the pumpkin open and make drainage holes

You can make chinoiserie pumpkins for decor or cut them open to use as a planter. I used a 9-inch pumpkin for the planter and a 6-inch pumpkin as decor.

To make an opening, trace a circle around the stem and use a utility knife to carve out the top. If you want to add plants directly inside the pumpkin, make a few drainage holes in the bottom using either a drill or a hammer and nails.

In the past, I’ve used Dollar Tree foam pumpkins for decoupage, but I prefer sturdier plastic pumpkins for this craft. The shape looks nicer, and the material seems more durable when adding plants.

Step 2: Divide the napkin into shapes and apply decoupage glue

As with any decoupage project, small pieces of material work best with curved surfaces. The smaller your design, the more you will avoid wrinkles.

Image of napkin cut into shapes, separating the plies of the napkin, applying the napkin to a faux pumpkin, and smoothing out the napkin with food wrap.

Begin by trimming the napkin into shapes that will fit onto portions of the pumpkin.
Separate the plies of the napkin to isolate only the printed layer. Most napkins come in 2-ply or 3-ply thickness.
Apply Mod Podge to a small area in the center of the napkin cutout.
Smooth out the napkin using plastic wrap to prevent your fingers from sticking. Continue adding small areas of glue, working from the center of the napkin piece outward, until the entire shape is adhered to the pumpkin.

Which Mod Podge is Best?

I strongly prefer Mod Podge Multi over Mod Podge Outdoor for projects like this. This relatively new formula of Mod Podge has a smoother texture that is easy to spread, and it doesn’t feel tacky to the touch after drying. Since it works for both indoor and outdoor projects, it’s perfect for a decoupage pumpkin planter.

Step 3: Apply a top coat of Mod Podge

Once the napkin cutouts have dried completely (about 2 hours between coats), apply a top coat of Mod Podge to seal the project.

Applying top coat of Mod Podge to a decoupage pumpkin. — Applying a top coat of Mod Podge Multi

If you want a shiny finish, you can also choose Mod Podge Multi Gloss. I love the matte finish, but I encourage you to experiment to see which you prefer. You can see examples of both finishes in my pressed flower lantern decoupage project.

Step 4: Add soil and plants (optional)

Now onto the decorating! Use your pumpkin planter as a decorative vase with a pot inside, or plant flowers directly inside your pumpkin. Allow the pumpkin planter to cure (following the manufacturer’s directions) before placing it outside.

I chose a mix of marigold, dianthus, and creeping jenny to finish my pumpkin planter. It’s important to fill in any gaps with soil and water the flowers frequently, placing a saucer underneath to prevent leakage if necessary.

Decoupage pumpkin planter filled with marigolds, dianthus, and creeping jenny vine.

I look forward to enjoying my chinoiserie pumpkin planters for Thanksgiving and reusing them each year. If you decide to try this project, please tag me on Facebook or Instagram (@firstdayofhome)! I’d love to see your projects.