Easy Lace Pumpkin with Mod Podge

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This lace pumpkin decor craft is an easy alternative to painting. Learn how to make your own Mod Podge pumpkins with this tutorial.

A lace pumpkin sitting on a stack of blue books next to a blue lamp.

This is a super-easy DIY Mod Podge pumpkin craft that’s perfect for kids and adults. This quick autumn project adds a classic, vintage touch to your fall decor. You’ll want to pull out this timeless piece again and again for years to come.

I can’t believe it has been so many years since I created this tutorial. The first time I published it was back in 2013! Since then I have updated it with brand new images, more information and helpful tips, and current links. All these years later and I still use this darling little pumpkin in my fall decor every year. This is a timeless and classic DIY decor idea that will outlast any trend.

little mod podge lace pumpkin on porch table

Why You Will Love This DIY Fall Decor Craft

There are so many things to like about this DIY mod podge pumpkin craft. It’s cheap, it’s fun, it’s super easy, and it uses easy-to-get ingredients you likely already have on hand. Trust me…when you’ve finished this project, you will want to mod podge doilies on everything!

A pumpkin with lace decorating it.

Supplies Needed

fall porch decor ideas 2023 update mod podge lace pumpkin

How To Make A Lace Pumpkin

  • Create A Hole In the Doily: with your scissors, open the hole in the center of the doily. All doilies have a hole in the middle, although some are very small. You need to make this hold big enough so that it will fit easily over the stem of the pumpkin.
  • To prevent the hole from being too big, make it just a bit larger at first, and then try to fit it over the stem. Slowly make the hole a little bigger each time until it just barely fits over the stem. Unfortunately, there is no way to make the opening smaller once it’s opened, so go slowly here.
  • After you get it the perfect size, put the doily aside.
  • Mod Podge The Pumpkin: apply a thick coat of Mod Podge to the pumpkin with a sponge brush. Only apply it to the top of the pumpkin where the lace doily will lay.
  • Mod Podge dries clear, so it doesn’t matter if you cover more area than the doily needs. That being said, you may want to purchase the matte variety so underneath the doily doesn’t gleam glossy.
  • Add The Lace Doily: place the doily back on the pumpkin, and press it into the Mod Podge. Stretch it out, and make sure it’s placed where you want it.
  • Dab a good amount of Mod Podge around the opening of the doily so it doesn’t fray. Let it dry. 
  • Apply a second coat of Mod Podge over the doily and allow it dry completely.
An orange pumpkin decorated with lace and Mod Podge

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mod podge real pumpkins?

Yes, you can Mod Podge either fake or real pumpkins! The only downside to using real pumpkins is that they rot. As they rot, it will ruin your lace doilies. If you want to use real pumpkins for this craft, I suggest using disposable paper doilies.

What kind of lace can I use?

I seriously considered using vintage lace doilies, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I just didn’t want to cut them. If you have a big collection of lace doilies, and don’t mind giving up a few, you could definitely use them for this project. That would be a great way to recycle what you already have.

One more note…I used a small pumpkin with a small doily. Doilies and faux pumpkins come in all sizes, so it’s a personal choice what size(s) you make. 

What can I use if I don’t have Mod Podge?

The closest substitute to Mod Podge is PVA glue. It is spreadable and also dries on clear, just like Mod Podge.

Where can I display my lace pumpkin?

I have two of these mod podge pumpkins, and over the years, I’ve used them everywhere in my fall decor. Inside and out, in the kitchen, and in the living room. They are lightweight and so simple to store.

Both of my pumpkins look as nice today as the day I made them. If you have older children or grandchildren, this would be a fun thing to do with them. It’s also the perfect craft for a ladies night out or senior center craft session. 

diy mod podge pumpkin craft with lace

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blue & white lamp (similar) | 10 inch pedestal plate | 8.5 inch pedestal plate | set of small blue plates (similar) | large platter no longer available |find a similar platter HERE

More Ideas To Celebrate Fall

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Use this Thanksgiving planner to make the holiday easy for you, and so lovely for your family & friends. Includes planning and organization pages, turkey tips, a Thanksgiving prayer, and more.

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48 Comments

  1. Micaela Brundage says:

    I love this! Can’t wait to make one with my daughters!

  2. I like pumpkins for Fall decor and this looks so nice, especially with your blue and white plates.

  3. What a great idea! I love it!

  4. Mary Ellen Hanrahan says:

    Loved your pumpkin doile idea. I always do crafts with my granddaughters and i showed your pumpkin project to them and they were excited to make one for their rooms for Fall. My youngest granddaughter age 12 thought they looked like a craft they would have made in Little House on the Prairie. Happy Fall love all your DIY ideas.

  5. Love this idea. I have a huge collection of doilies so I’ll have to try this. I think a tea dyed doily would look pretty on a white baby boo pumpkin.

  6. Very different and very beautiful! Absolutely love it! Thx for sharing!

  7. I’ve seen this before but have not tried it yet. Looks so elegant!

  8. Ruth Shober says:

    I don’t see where to register for the $75 gift card. I have made the mog podge pumpkins with vintage doillies, and given them as gifts, adding a burlap ribbon around the stem.

    1. Ann Drake says:

      Hi Ruth…your comment is your entry. Good luck!

  9. Melissa Bonser says:

    This is such a lovely idea, and the way you displayed it on the cake stand is brillant! Can’t wait to try this out. Thank you Ann for more great ideas with class!!

    1. Arlene Mallek says:

      Another lovely way to use the doilies I have purchased over the years! Thank you for helping me repurpose them.

  10. Kathleen Border says:

    So very cute and simple. I can do these crafts with the individuals I serve with developmental disabilities and they would LOVE it!

  11. Nancy Smelser says:

    I love this craft! I will definitely be giving this a try.

  12. I received two doilies as wedding gifts from ladies at our church. This reminded me of them! Creative project!

  13. Liz Bayes says:

    Love this idea! Thanks for sharing.

  14. Jane Glenn says:

    Plan on making this pumpkin.Fall is tied with spring for my favorite season. Can’t wait to decorate when we return from vacation. You inspired me!Jane

  15. Mary Anne McWhirter says:

    after a long….hot…hot..hot summer….what a welcome relief to see fall is upon us with the darling pumpkin…get out the paint, pumpkin and doiley and let fall begin!!!!!

  16. Karen Kleinberg says:

    Guess what I am doing this year to change things up a little bit!!!
    Love this idea!!

  17. Karen Kleinberg says:

    Can’t wait to try this cute idea, I have lots of doilies and pumpkins, so guess what I am doing this year to change things up a little bit!!!

  18. Karen Kleinberg says:

    What a cute idea, I have lots of doilies and pumpkins, so guess what I am doing this year to change things up a little bit!!!

  19. Melody McLaren says:

    Love this simple idea and all your DIY’s.

  20. These little pumpkins are so cute!

  21. Holly Bangham says:

    This is just such a beautiful simplistic look! Love it!!

    1. Fran Graham says:

      The doily looks so cute and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing your idea
      Fran

  22. EVA SHARP says:

    I love all your craft ideas your home is beautiful I have tryed several over the two years following / reading you Thank You for Sharing……Eva

  23. I love this project and I will make a suggestion for something you mentioned in the instructions. If you get the hole in the middle of the doily, you can make it smaller by running a thread around the hole and pull it together. Put the doily on the pumpkin and tighten it as much as you like. Tie the thread off and continue to follow the rest of the instructions.

  24. The blue porcelain plates on Amazon are a steal at $19.99!! I could see painting a pumpkin a pretty shade of light blue and Mod Podging a white doily for it’s top..then adding a pretty bow tie and setting on top of one of the sweet blue plates! Too cute!
    I’m hoping that the real gourds and pumpkins out this year are less expensive than last years. Fake is the best way to go.

  25. What a fun and easy project. A lot more interesting than just a plain one. My sewing room is all in pink. I think I will make one with a white craft pumpkin and a pink doily
    Also! Lots of ideas from your fun little craft! Thank you Ann!

  26. One year, I found a lot of interesting dried gourds at the pumpkin patch. After a bit of cleaning & drying, I used shoe polish to put on a bit of color and then buffed up for the shine. On an apple shaped one, I used red paint, but then used shoe polish to tone down the red as well as putting on a soft shine. They still look good!

    You can get clean, dried gourds on the internet and they come in many shapes and sizes for crafting. There are round, pumpkin, apple, pear and egg shapes – all good for painting and decorating for different seasons.

  27. Hi Ann, The first time you posted the pumpkin craft, I made one. I got so many compliments, I bought a gray craft pumpkin and put a black doily on it. I put a little bow on the stems and I put them out every year. I’m not a crafty person, but this was so easy and I was very proud of myself ha ha. In fact, that was when I started following your blog and I’m glad I did. Happy Fall!

  28. These pumpkins are just lovely ! Easy craft & one I will have to try.

  29. Robin~All Things Heart and Home says:

    Ann I love it!!! Just spending some time at your lovely blog home…and loving every minute! xo

  30. Katherines Corner says:

    Ann, I ♥ it!!!!

  31. Adorable Ann! I love the doily!! This little pumpkin can stay out all the way thru Thanksgiving!! Awesome!!!~~Angela

  32. MariaElena says:

    Love this project! Beautiful! I must have a hundred of this doilies pit away. I think I will put them to good use! :)

  33. I love the vintage look of your pumpkin –It will be perfect for the entire autumn season

  34. Darling. I love the vintage look it gives the pumpkin. I am so ready to get going on my Autumn decor. I just have to make it until the end of next week. I think I can. I think I can.

  35. I love it!! And I have LOTS of family made doilies (some vintage for sure) & I might as well use them!! Fun project!

  36. This is so cute! And simple….thanks for the easy instructions! ;)

  37. Very cute and original idea!

  38. Shirley@housepitality designs says:

    I so love it Ann…I have many doilies made by my mom…I will have to see if any of them will work for a pumpkin project…Have a great weekend!

  39. This just too cute, Ann. I love it!!!!

    Cynthia

  40. Jessi @ Practically Functional says:

    Love it, that doily is perfect!

  41. Though I love the fall, I’m not all that crazy about Halloween. I will, however, be making a pumpkin, or two, like this. It is adorable.Thanks for the inspiration.

  42. Yvonne @ StoneGable says:

    How cute is this Ann! I’m heading over to JoAnn’s later today. Pumpkins are on my list!!!