Glitter Glam Pumpkins & $100 Gift Card Giveaway!
Sometimes, stubbornness is a good thing.
I refuse to pay an arm and a leg for something that I know is not worth an arm and a leg. Take faux pumpkins, for example. I’ve been like a cat on the prowl looking for some faux pumpkins to add to my fall decor for over a year now. You’d think they were solid gold with the price-tags they boast! So, I held out for that deal I knew was out there. Lo and behold, I finally found it as part of the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club. As a club member, I have access to their gallery of craft, recipe, and home décor projects, which are all on a Dollar Tree budget (my kinda budget). Projects also include printable shopping lists, as well as tips for how to carry out projects from start to finish. Oh, and faux pumpkins and gourds? $1 each. In typical Dollar Tree fashion!
So, in exploring the project gallery, I immediately knew I needed to try my own variation of their Studded & Glittered Pumpkins. The thought of creating glamorous pumpkin decor for just a few dollars felt like a challenge this stubborn shopper was up for! (I love me a good challenge.)
So, I went on a Dollar Tree shopping spree:
Here’s a collection of the goodies that I brought home for this project:
And here’s the paint I pulled from my ever-growing stash to help inspire some transformations!
The only spray paint I purchased for this project was Krylon Looking Glass Mirror-Like Paint. I had been looking for an excuse to add this spray paint to my collection for a while now, and this project seemed like the perfect opportunity to splurge.
DIY Pedestals
Before we get to the pumpkin fest, I have to share that when shopping at Dollar Tree, I had a rare moment of brilliance and thought that it might be fun to DIY my own fancy pedestals as a way to display my Glitter Glam Pumpkins. The candlestick holders and pillar candle plates underwent a major transformation with just a few coats of my Looking Glass spray. (I used the whole can to cover all these pieces in 5 thin coats.) And I couldn’t have been more thrilled with the outcome. They even have a vintage “mercury glass” look to them, which makes them all the more glam-fabulous!
And then, the Amazing E-6000 adhesive was all I needed to glue the plates atop the candlesticks (that stuff is no joke; be sure to wear gloves and keep the area well-ventilated). I flipped the third candlestick upside-down to create two pedestals at different heights. The glue just need to cure for 24 hours, and it was set!
And here are the pedestals in action with some pumpkins on display! I feel like they instantly took my fall decor from so-so to Oh-No-You-Didn’t!
Pumpkins
So, now, let’s dive into the pumpkin and gourd decor I tackled. The Studded & Glittered Pumpkins project in the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club gallery served as a great jumping off point for me. It inspired me to think outside the box and to try different “glam” methods on each pumpkin.
Here were the different methods I used:
- Glitter-Dipped Pumpkin and Gourd: I used Mod Podge on the bottom half of my pumpkin and gourd, coating them in gold glitter. I used the Shellac Spray to seal them and keep the glitter from getting ev-ery-where (as glitter is apt to do).
- Glitter Polka-Dotted Pumpkin. I used Silhouette brand double-sided adhesive that I had on hand from my DIY Photo Booth Props project to create the glitter gold polka-dots on this pumpkin. Does it remind you of a Vintage Purse I once made-over, hmmm?
- Studded Pumpkin: This one is my husband’s fave – – and it also happened to be the easiest to create. I decided to leave my gold thumb tacks their original color and just pushed them into my styrofoam pumpkins in studded lines. Check out the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club for more tips on this method.
- Chalkboard pumpkin: I really liked the look of the black-and-white pumpkin on the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club project gallery, so I painted a few coats of chalkboard paint on one of the mini-pumpkins. Then, I used a chalkboard marker to draw tiny stars. I think this pumpkin will transition well through Thanksgiving and maybe even to Christmas!
- “Gather Together” Pumpkin & Gourd: My last set are a bit more muted compared to the glittery, metallic pumpkins, but I think they’re still glam in an understated Audrey Hepburn kind of way. You feel me? I used my Silhouette machine to cut out some vinyl text reading, “gather together,” placing each one on the remaining mini-pumpkin and gourd. Then, I spray-painted over-top of them. After they were dry, I peeled away the vinyl to reveal the text in orange script. They served as fitting decor for our food table at the Costume Party we recently hosted.
And here are our Glitter Glam Pumpkins on display on their looking glass pedestals, adding some elegance to the drinks station at our Costume Party:
I’d consider this mission of pumpkins-and-pedestals-on-a-budget…accomplished!
To Close:
I’m eager to see what new projects the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club shares in November…I have a feeling, another Dollar Tree run will be in order for this stubborn shopper!
How about you, dear reader? Do you refuse to splurge on items you know you can find for less somewhere else? If so, try signing up for the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club. Not only will you have access to the inspirational project gallery, but you’ll be privy to insider info. Since joining the Club in early October, I’ve received 5 emails with sneak peeks at their holiday catalog, members-only deals, and savings tips. As someone who really tries to keep a close watch on how much I’m spending on craft supplies, I really appreciate the Dollar Tree’s focus on frugal fun.
Not only is signing up FREE, but it also garners you entries in a $100 gift card giveaway! Let’s talk about that for a sec, k?
Giveaway!
The fine folk at Dollar Tree are generously offering up a $100 gift card to Dollar Tree. (Just think of all the Glitter Glam Pumpkins & Pedestals you could make with that sucker!)
Just follow the simple instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below to earn your entries. This giveaway runs through 11:59 pm Friday, November 1st.
{Fine print: This giveaway is open to U.S. residents, 13 years of age and older. Be sure to check out the rest of the giveaway terms and conditions in the Rafflecopter widget below.}
For more Dollar Tree inspiration…
Have a glitter-glam rest of your week, friends!
{Linking up here.}
Full Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. For more policy information, click here.
I love everything about this- from the pumpkins to the stands! Great Job!
I wish I had found these last year!! I went to the dollar tree yesterday and broke all the glass i got when I came home so I have now repurchased them and I am so ready to go to town on these pedestals and pumpkins, thanks again for such a great idea!!!
Heya sis! It’s great to be back visiting at The Thinking Closet and it’s humorous to me that it’s almost getting to be around that time of year again for pumpkins! I may be slow, but I get round the track eventually! 🙂 I remember seeing these in person and they’re just as impressive, if not more so. The pedestals really were a stroke of genius and bump your display up to a whole other level. Though even on their own, da pumpkins are mahvelous. Who doesn’t love blinged out pumpkins? Love your creativity sis, and thanks for stoking the fires of excitement about the Fall again!
Aren’t we proud of the Thinking Closet for being featured with this craft in Good Housekeeping’s on-line magazine?! The creativity continues to splash and spill!
Thanks, Mama! Oh so honored for that feature nearly a year after this was published. 😉
The pedestals are fab! I already made the run to Dollar Tree for supplies! Question… is the paint pretty durable on the candle sticks? Would there be a need to seal it? I saw one tut with the Dollar Tree glass pumpkins and spray paint and it said to seal because you did not prime the glass first(in that tut).
Thoughts?
Thanks!
What a cute idea.
So chic! I just love them. I’m featuring them tomorrow at Planned in Pencil, thanks so much for linking up at the Pinworthy Project Party!
You had me a glitter 😉 Im featuring you this week on Tell Me Tuesday!
These pumpkins look fabulous! I love how inexpensive and easy they are to make. Pinned!
These look SOOOOOOO amazing!!! I am in love with the mix of metallics and of course, the polka dots! Fantastic job yet again, my friend!!! I loved seeing your gorgeous handiwork in the background during our chat the other day, though I think I completely forgot to mention it!
So pretty Lauren! I love the Gather Together ones… so sweet and perfect for post-Halloween pumpkin action:)
Glam pumpkins AND The Dollar Tree?! Girl, you are speaking my language! LOVE these! And your little pedestals are too cute. Thanks so much for sharing, Lauren!
~Abby =)
Hey Lauren these turned out so pretty. I just love the look. I think I am going to get some looking glass spray. I have never tried it but it is just the touch I think I need got my Christmas mantel! Thanks
I like to try
Children’s Dinnerware
Those are gorgeous! I would have never guessed that you could make those out of dollar tree items. I guess I should check it out more often.
Thanks, Marie! I love the transformative powers of spray-paint and glitter!
I’m FOR SURE going to the dollar store to do the same. I just got that looking glass spray paint too! Brilliant idea.
Yay! Love how your votive candle holders turned out. Isn’t that Looking Glass spray amazing? I need to pick up some more so I have it at the ready for more faux mercury-glass projects! And I love that you’re inspired to make a dollar store run now. Keep me posted on your creations, Amy!
I said I was going to do this… and I did! They’re up on my blog right now :). Would love if you came to check em out, Lauren!
I saw this craft through Pinterest. Someone that I follow pinned it. I Love these pumpkins, I’m totally a Dollar Tree crafter, they just have everything! Not only do I love the pumpkins I think the candle stick holders are awesome!! When I switch over to my Fall decor I’ll have to try that out!! I started following you on Facebook!
Dollar Tree crafters, unite! Ha ha. Yes, I was delighted to find when we moved to Orlando last summer that there’s one just a few blocks from our house. How convenient! Ha ha. And thanks for the follow, Courtney. Following back! (So thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your blog earlier this evening. What a wonderfully creative and welcoming space!)
Thank you!! I’ll for sure be attempting these in my “own” special way and linking back to your post for the inspiration!! Did you get the glitter there as well? I’ve done a couple Dollar Tree pumpkin crafts (thumbtack pumpkins and mod podge pumpkins). Fingers crossed they still have some pumpkins left. They’re already putting out the Christmas decorations! Yikes! ;-P
These are adorable and now that I know how the vinyl cutouts work, I can definitely envision how you wrote the words on the gourds. I think I will just have to sign up for the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club!
I like every design and the pedestal idea was genius!
Yes, you’re now a vinyl crafter! Welcome to the club! Now, we’ve just got to get you cutting your own vinyl…that’s my next ploy. Mwah ha ha!
{And thanks for the compliments, Mama! So glad that the pedestal actually worked out in reality…and not just in my imagination, as those wild ideas are sometimes apt to do!)
I think that sometimes (most often?) God uses our imagination and even dreams to give us ideas…some simple, some grand!
Glam-tastic!! The chaos of life has kept me away from my much-needed doses of Thinking Closet, and I picked a great day to amble my way back over. Love the gourd transformations! I actually can’t even decide on a favorite because they are all so wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
I know you’ve been a busy lady, so a visit from you today and FIVE comments is like striking gold! Thanks for slapping a silly smile on my face with your encouraging (and chuckle-inducing) words. I so appreciate you, Jessica!
everything you did is so pretty Lauren! 🙂
loving all the glitter! soon, I will be taking out all my glitter out ha!ha! can’t wait to decorate with glitter again!
The holidays are the perfect time for busting out the glitter, aren’t they? It’s getting to be about that time, Ingrid…prepare to get your sparkle on in a big way!
Oh Lauren, These are great. Who would have thought that pumpkins could look so elegant!
Thanks, Pam! They surprised me, too, with how well they “clean up.” 😉
These pumpkins and pedestals are major fantastic! Love how everything turned out, particularly the glitter ones! So glam.
Aw, thanks, Jenna! And you know what else is major fantastic? You’re Nevermore wreath! As a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, my heart skipped a beat to see that on your blog. Pinned!
The glitter pumpkins are beautiful!!! Ok, Silhouette Rock Star, I have a question for you 🙂 My sister-in-law and I were thinking of getting my MIL a Silhouette machine for Christmas. She loves scrapbooking and getting crafty and I think she will really love figuring out all the amazing things the machine can help her create. My question is which one do you have, or which one would you recommend? And since I’m giving it as a gift, are there any must have supplies I should get her to start with? THANK YOU!!!
First of all, I just came back from visiting your blog, and eeek! You’ve made the leap to self-hosted! I feel like such a bad bloggy buddy for not knowing that already, but please accept my hearty congrats, my friend. I know it is not an easy thing by any stretch of the imagination, even if you have someone helping you make that leap. Sending you a major huge high five!
Annnnd, I’m really excited for your MIL and the potential of a Silhouette in her future. Without a doubt, if she is a scrapbooker, then the best machine for her is the Cameo. (It’s the one I have.) Scrapbookers love the 12″ x 12″ cutting space (the Portrait only has a 8″ x 12″ cutting space). In terms of must-have supplies, the hook tool is a must for weeding intricate paper and vinyl designs. An extra blade and an extra mat are always good to have on hand. And if she loves paper crafts, I’d recommend the adhesive-backed cardstock. That stuff is incredible! Stay tuned because there are some really amazing promotions coming up in November – – you want to get a good deal on that machine! Oh, and if your MIL is on facebook, she is more than welcome to join my Silhouette FB group; it’s a great place for support and troubleshooting as a beginner. If she’s interested, here’s a form she can fill out.
(Oh, and I’m totally making myself a “Silhouette Rock Star” t-shirt now that you’ve given me that title. Ha ha.)
I love how the pumpkin and gourd can be used for Thanksgiving…knowing your awesome brain, you probably planned it that way.
You’re sweet, Jade! Yes, my hope was that these could transition nicely into the next seasons…gotta maximize their potential, ya know? 😉
As a Dollar Tree advocate, I am thrilled by your creativity. Your pumpkins are adorable, and the pedestals will be useful with so many other decorations. Just found your blog from the Scoop. Thanks for sharing.
Hooray for Dollar Tree! Yeah, I didn’t really contemplate at the time how much use I could get out of the pedestals, but the more I think about it, the more I’m wondering what I did without them! Ha ha. Thanks for stopping by, Vicki! It was a pleasure to receive your super sweet comment.
Glitter pumpkins= FABULOU OVERLOAD!! Love these!!
Thanks for the high praise, Kristi! Glad to know I’m not the only fan of all things glitter!
These are fab! I just love that a little creativity and a few dollars can result in such a high-end looking piece. Thanks for sharing!
Dollar store crafts always remind me that I don’t need to pay big bucks for home decor…and it does challenge you to think outside the box, which I love! Thanks for stopping by, Michelle!
I love these pumpkins! They turned out awesome.
So glad you think so, Shannah! I’m really pleased with how they turned out. They can stay. 😉
Beautiful job and great giveaway! Pinned!
Why thank you, Kathy – – for the kind compliments, for entering the giveaway, and for the pin! So much love!
Love these pumpkin ideas! As much as the glittery, glammed out pumpkins are eye catching, I’m a fan of the understated “Audrey Hepburn” gourds.;)
Thanks for sharing about the the Dollar Tree Value Seekers. There looks like a lot of great craft ideas that would be fun for the kids to do.
It makes me smile to think I knew that the “Audreys” would be your favorite! You’ve totally got the understated elegance going on in your sewing creations, Cindy! Simple yet classy. Now, I’m wanting to name all of those pumpkins after various actresses to help categorize them and use them as metaphors for style. You’ve got the Marilyn Monroe (polka dots)…the Sophia Loren (glitter dipped)…the Judy Garland (studs)…the Elizabeth Taylor (chalkboard). I’ll never look at those pumpkins and gourds the same way again! Ha ha.
And yes, you’re right about the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club being a great way to get ideas for kid crafts. A lot of their projects would transfer over to great family projects, which I appreciate!
Great ideas. I love the way they turned out!
Thanks for the pat on the back, Sharon! I appreciate it!
Lauren, I love all of these! But I am curious about the black candelabra (in the picture with the chalkboard pumpkin and the two burlap pumpkins) – was that a Dollar Store find as well? It’s amazing what you can come up with – those pedestals are genius.
Ahhh! You picked out two things that I did not purchase at the Dollar Tree. The black candelabra is something my husband brought into the marriage. I want to say it was a Target purchase years ago. And the burlap pumpkins were a project I tackled earlier in the season, although I’m proud to say I didn’t need to purchase any supplies for that one. I had everything on hand, so it ended up being even cheaper than going to the Dollar Tree! Ha ha. Here’s a link to that tutorial if you want to check it out, Caroline! Thanks for your kind words.
Absolutely “arm and a leg” design without the $$$. What a great upgrade of Dollar Store merchandise!
I like that, Susan: “arm and a leg” design with the $$$! You should write taglines for the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!
adorable and affordable! love it!
Thanks, Dusty! (And pardon me for having an English-major nerd moment, but I love the alliteration and rhyming in your comment!)
I love the glitter polka dot pumpkin . All the ideas are great
I think that one is my favorite, too, Amanda! But, shhhh! Don’t tell the other pumpkins, k? 🙂
Wow, your pumpkins look fabulous! I visit the Dollar Store quite often but never heard of the Value Seekers Club. Great project!
Thanks, Glenna! I’m delighted to know you’re a fan! Yeah, I hadn’t heard about the Value Seekers Club until I worked on this campaign…but I’m really glad to be in the loop now. More excuses to make Dollar Tree runs, right? 🙂
Holy cow, those pumpkins turned out AWESOME!
Why thank you, Nancy! I had a little too much fun with this one, I think. 😉
These are adorable, and thanks for the giveaway! I LOVE Dollar Tree!!
Thanks, Adrianne! Yeah, I’m with ya – – I first discovered the wonders of Dollar Tree when I was living in Ohio; I’d get props for the musicals I directed (their prices actually fit in our budget). And now that we live in Orlando, we’re close enough to one that I can frequent it quite regularly, but now, for home decor items and craft projects. It’s the best!
Lauren those pedestals are amazing!!! I’m trying to figure out how I can incorporate something similar I to my DIY wedding projects. Thanks for the inspiration.
Oooo…pedestals like these would be great to incorporate into some wedding decor. Maybe on the table with place-cards? Or as part of your table centerpieces? I’m sure you’re seeing everything through the lens of wedding planning right now. Best of luck, Valerie! I know how fun, yet stressful that time can be.
The gold-silver set up is so chic, great work!
I feel so fancy earning the adjective, “chic.” Thanks, Bipasha!
My kiddos would get a kick out of the front door bats
I’d get a kick out of those, too…after being freaked out by them when seeing them out of the corner of my eye and forgetting that I had crafted them hours earlier…#storyofmylife.
Those glittery pumpkins are incredible! And I love the cake-stand tutorial! You know that I’m going to be copying that, girl! Love the dollar tree!
Whoa! You are rocking my world in calling them cake-stands…I’m seeing a whole new world of potential open up for these pedestals now. In fact, it makes me want to whip a tasty treat right now! I can just pop a doily down on that surface that I spray-painted, and call it a cake-stand day!
(Copy away, friend. I’d be flattered as all get-out!)
These glammed pumpkins are awesome!
I’m so glad you think so, Melanie!
O-M-Heavens!! Those glitter pumpkins are Fab!! And I absolutely love the pedestals!! You could use those for soooo many different things!! The paint you chose really did the trick!! And thumb tacks… who’d a thunk?? So cute!
Ha ha. Thanks, Candace! I know, now I want to use that looking glass paint on EVERYTHING! It’s so magical. And studding up those pumpkins makes me see thumb tacks in a whole new light. I have been severely underestimating their home decor potential up until now!
I looooooove reusable pumpkins! While real ones are fun, the reusable ones are nice, too, because (obviously) they can be used multiple years! I looooooooove the Gather Together ones, too!!! Sooooo cute! And easy!
I know – – I didn’t really think ahead last year, and I spent hours and hours decorating a real pumpkin…that went rotten in our warm Florida weather just a few days later. Never again! (Although never say never, right?) But I’m really glad that I’ll get multiple seasons of use out of these suckers. We’ll even see if I can use them through Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season. (Gotta max it out!)
EEEK! You know my motto is “Glitter makes everything better!” Especially unicorns, but pumpkins work too.
Glitter DOES make everything better. What a great motto. (Ha ha, and you know you cracked me up with your unicorn reference. Love you girls.)
Ok, those pedestals are seriously awesome! I am already thinking forward to Christmas decor, and I think I might need to make some of those! And you know what a sucker I am for gold glitter pumpkins 😉 Tons of great stuff crammed into this post, Lauren – thanks for sharing!
Meredith you totally inspired me with your use of the double-sided adhesive on your gold glitter pumpkin…so thank YOU for that. And just thinking I may have inspired you with the pedestals idea gives me a big ole smile on my face.