how to use picture frames to make pumpkins

A couple of months ago, I came across a bundle of gold picture frames at a thrift store for only $3.99! You know I snatched those bad boys right up! I didn’t have a plan yet, but it’s hard to pass up some good gold frames! They were stashed away with my other knick knacks until the other day when an idea came to mind…pumpkins! How cute would it be to convert the frames to pumpkins??? 

For this project, I used the following supplies:

• (4) gold frames in various sizes
• (4) scrapbook paper prints
• About 2 ft of small rope
• Twine
• Burlap leaves – Dollar Tree
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Pencil/Pen

I love a good gold frame, but these frames really had some unique detail! Mixing frame sizes and styles help create dimension in a project. Sometimes it’s great to keep frames the same for uniformity and clean lines, but for a whimsical style, mixing textures is key!

These frames were perfect for this project!

Jewel tones are so on trend for fall, so I wanted to add some fun prints to the frames. I have found several scrapbook paper packs at Dollar General for $5, and the polka dot sheets and mustard print paper came from those packs. The animal print was purchased at Hobby Lobby. 

The first thing I did was trace the glass from each frame onto the back of the scrapbook paper prints. Since my frames were used, they came empty. For new frames, you can trace the sample photo that comes with them. 

After cutting them out, I had one of each print. The more I looked at that mustard print, the more I loved it! I was excited to see it all come together!

Next, I placed the paper in the frames and secured the backs.

I love the framed prints, but it was time to turn them into pumpkins! First up, I created stems from the jute rope. Jute rope can be purchased at Dollar Tree or other craft stores.

I formed a loop and secured it with a dab of hot glue. 

Then, I wrapped the rope around the bottom and created another loop over the first loop. I used hot glue to secure the rope on the sides.

Here is how it looked after creating both loops. 

I created four stems of different sizes to match the size of the frames. If your rope begins to fray, you can add a little hot glue to the ends, wait a couple of seconds for it to cool a little, then squeeze the strands together.

Next, I turned the frames over and hot glued the stems on the top in the center. 

Here they are after gluing on the stems.

I wanted to add a little something extra to the top, so I created bows from the twine. These bows were super simple to make. I wrapped the twine in a circle. You can use your hand, length of your cell phone or anything else you have on hand. Then, I pinched the middle and secured with a piece of twine. Twine is very easy to work with, and they don’t need to look perfect at all!

Dollar Tree had these burlap leaves in a 5 pack, and they worked great for the leaves of the pumpkin. 

Now, it was time to pull it all together!

The burlap leaves have a long wire stem, so I looped the wires through the stem and hot glued the base of the leaf on the front.

The leaves have a wire running the length of the leaf, so I was able to bend and shape them around the frame.

Finally, I placed a dot of hot glue on top of the leaves and glued the twine bow in the center.

How adorable did these turn out?! I love the gold frames mixed with jewel tones and burlap. I think these will be a perfect addition to a side table or shelf this fall!

What patterns and colors would you use for your home? The fun thing about this project is that you can change it every single year and have something new every year!

Last Updated on August 16, 2023