Ah, autumn—my favorite time of year. There’s something about the crisp air, cozy evenings, and the urge to get crafty that just feels right. And you know what’s even better? Finding a project that’s simple, quick, and adds that perfect touch of fall charm to your home. Today, I’m excited to share with you a little DIY project that’s not only easy to do but also super fun, especially if you’ve got some leftover wine corks lying around (which, let’s be honest, I usually do). We’re going to make a pumpkin wall art piece using—you guessed it—those corks! It’s a great activity to do with the kids or just on your own with a nice playlist in the background.
One of the coolest things about this pumpkin wall art project is how versatile it is—seriously, it’s perfect for adding to a gallery wall. It could become the seasonal star of your gallery wall, adding that touch of fall charm among your photos, prints, and other artwork. It’s like the pop of pumpkin spice your wall didn’t know it needed! Besides, who doesn’t want a chance to repurpose items that might otherwise just sit around for years.
What you’ll need
- A 23×23 cm picture frame (I’m using an old IKEA HOVSTA frame that’s been sitting in the basement with a cracked glass—finally putting it to good use!).
5-6 wine corks (I’ve got some remnants from another wine cork pumpkin project, but fresh corks work too). - Orange acrylic paint.
- A piece of fabric measuring 25×25 cm.
- A piece of cardboard cut to 23×23 cm.
- A small twig for the pumpkin stem.
- A bit of twine or jute for decoration.
Step By Step Guide
First things first, let’s tackle those corks. You want to slice them into thin rounds, about 4mm thick. Try to keep them uniform in size—it’s a bit of a hassle, but trust me, it makes a difference.
Paint one side of each cork round with the orange acrylic paint and set them aside to dry.
This is where patience comes in handy, but hey, that’s what podcasts are for, right?.
While the corks dry, let’s get that frame ready. Take apart the frame and remove the glass—we won’t need that for this project. I have an old frame with a broken glass so it's win-win.
Cut your cardboard to match the size of the frame, then stretch your fabric over the cardboard and glue it down on the back. If you don’t have fabric that fits the autumn vibe, no worries—scrapbook paper in a nice fall color works just as well. This part’s all about setting the scene for your pumpkin.
Once your fabric is nice and secure, pop that cardboard back into the frame. You’ll start to see it coming together now—it’s like setting the stage before the main act.
Now that your corks are dry, it’s time for the fun part—arranging them into a pumpkin shape. Start a bit below the center of the frame, about 4 cm from the bottom edge, and find the middle.
Lay down a row of four corks. Then build up with rows of five, six, five, and then back to four. It’s like a little puzzle, and there’s something so satisfying about seeing it all come together.
To top it off, grab that twig and attach it to the top of your pumpkin for a stem. A bit of twine or jute wrapped around it adds a rustic touch that’s just chef’s kiss.
If you’re feeling extra creative, you can glue a few more cork pieces around the pumpkin for a bit of texture.
Voilà—your very own piece of fall decor!.
It's a great addition to a gallery wall.
