Looking for a profitable woodworking project this fall? Look no further than the geometric pumpkin from scrap wood. These adorable and classic wooden pumpkins have been popular for a long time due to their versatility and charm. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create your own rustic porch pumpkin using simple techniques and materials.
This mosaic inspired pumpkin also slightly resembles a pallet wood pumpkin. Therefore, it would make a perfect porch pumpkin as well.
Either way, this geometric pumpkin will be one of your most profitable woodworking projects at the craft fair this year! You can distress them or do a whitewash of blue which is still popular and one of my favorite techniques.
And, like most woodcrafts, this can be customized. You can practically use whatever you have on hand. You could create this same pumpkin with scrap wood, pallet wood, 1×2’s, 1×4’s, etc. In fact, you can take any of the woodcraft blueprints or free tutorials that I provide and make them uniquely yours.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need for Geometric Pumpkin from Scrap wood
- 1×4 boards (6 pieces)
- Chop Saw and Band Saw for precise cuts
- Plywood for backer
- Wood Glue
- Narrow Crown Stapler or Brad nailer
- Dollar Tree Pumpkin (to use as tracer)
- Edge Sander or Orbital Sander for smooth finish
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Geometric pumpkin from Scrap wood
Step 1: Cut the wood to create a geometric pattern
First, you want to start with 6 pieces of 1×4 boards (4 of them should be at least 10-12 inches, and 2 of them can be a fraction shorter).
Using a chop saw, saw one end of each board at a 45 degree angle. They should fit together tightly and create 3 right angles that fit together as shown.
If they don’t fit together or have major gaps, double check your saw and make the cut again. Sometimes the board can move while you’re cutting and get you off a degree or two.
Don’t stress about any gaps! This doesn’t have to be perfect!
Step 2: Assembly
Get ready to trace
Part of the assembly is tracing your pumpkin, so you will know where to place the backing. So, find yourself a Dollar Tree pumpkin tracer like the one I’m using for this project, or simply Google pumpkin SVG and print one that you like.
Lay the boards facedown, so that the backside is facing up. Center your tracer in the middle making sure all of the boards are within the lines. You want each layer to make up the entirety of the pumpkin. You don’t want one layer being made up of only a tiny portion of the boards.
Then, place a thin piece of plywood in the center of the pumpkin to create a backing. The piece of plywood should be about 6” x 7” (or proportional to the size of your pumpkin). Put some wood glue on the boards, place the plywood backing in the center, then enforce with 1″ long staples or brad nails.
Be careful not to staple into a joint where the boards meet. You want to get the staples in the middle of the boards.
Flip it over and trace it again on the center of the front side. This will be your guide for the pumpkin cut out.
Step 3: Cut the pumpkin
You can use a bandsaw or scroll saw.
If you use a bandsaw, make some relief cuts. That simply means to make some straight cuts around the edges of your design where it may be hard for the band saw to turn.
Cut your pumpkin shape out on the bandsaw or scroll saw.
Step 4: Sand
Use an edge sander to smooth all the curves and grooves (you can use an orbital sander for this if needed). If you want to you can sand a little flat spot on the bottom, so it has a flat spot to rest on.
Step 5: Finishing touches and Staining
Find a scrap piece of wood from the boards that you cut to resemble a stem, and staple it to the back of the pumpkin.
Sand again with the orbital sander making sure all of the pencil marks are removed, then stain or paint to your liking.
If you’d like to see this in video format, watch the live tutorial I did here: https://fb.watch/lOG3DO7GOw/
More of Profitable Woodworking Projects for Fall
Here are a few more profitable woodcrafts to add to your craft show product line. These are classic and rustic wood pumpkins that will likely not be going out of style any time soon. You can never go wrong with wood crafts!
Join the Wood Craft Blueprints Membership to gain access to more fall crafts you can make and sell! In the membership, you’ll also get acquainted and comfortable with more tools, gain access to the private FB Group, and more!
FAQ – Geometric Wood Pumpkins from scrap wood
Q1: Why are wooden pumpkins considered profitable woodworking projects?
A: Wooden pumpkins have been profitable crafts for a long time due to their cute and classic appeal. They can be used as seasonal decor throughout the fall, making them highly desirable items for customers.
Q2: What inspired the design of the geometric wood pumpkin?
A: The geometric wood pumpkin was inspired by the popular mosaic wood art trend. It incorporates modern rustic charm into home decor and captures the current trend of using geometric patterns.
Q3: Can the geometric wood pumpkin be used as a porch pumpkin?
A: Yes, the geometric wood pumpkin slightly resembles a pallet wood pumpkin, making it a perfect choice for porch displays. Its rustic charm adds to the overall appeal and versatility of the pumpkin.
Q4: What customization options are available for the geometric wood pumpkin?
A: The beauty of woodcrafts lies in their customization potential. The geometric wood pumpkin can be made using various types of wood, such as scrap wood, pallet wood, 1x2s, or 1x4s. Feel free to use the provided blueprints and tutorials as a starting point to make the project uniquely yours.
Q5: What tools and materials are required to create the geometric wood pumpkin?
A: To create the geometric wood pumpkin, you will need the following tools and materials: 6 pieces of 1×4 boards, a chop saw, a band saw, ½” plywood for backing, wood glue, a crown stapler, ¾” staples, a Dollar Tree Pumpkin Tracer or printable SVG, and an edge sander or orbital sander.
Q6: How do I prepare the wood to create the geometric pattern?
A: Start by cutting the 1×4 boards into appropriate sizes. Use a chop saw to saw one end of each board at a 45-degree angle. The boards should fit tightly together, forming three right angles that fit together.
Q7: Can you provide an overview of the assembly process?
A: During the assembly process, you’ll trace the pumpkin shape to determine the placement of the backing. Lay the boards facedown, center the tracer or printed SVG, and ensure all boards fit within the lines. Place a thin piece of plywood in the center as a backing, apply wood glue, and secure with staples. Flip the pumpkin over, trace again on the front side, and proceed to cut out the pumpkin shape.
Q8: How do I add the finishing touches to the geometric wood pumpkin?
A: Use an edge sander or orbital sander to smooth the curves and grooves of the pumpkin. You can also sand a flat spot on the bottom for stability. Attach a scrap piece of wood from the boards as a stem using staples. Sand again to remove pencil marks, and then stain or paint the pumpkin according to your preference.
Note: Remember to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using tools and handling materials during the woodworking process.
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