The Pumpkin Man: One final Autumn-themed Craft!

It’s Fran here, and you know how I adore keeping up with our yearly crafting traditions as Halloween turns toward Thanksgiving. Having just completed my crow project, I found myself compelled to create one last, deeply satisfying autumn piece before we officially usher in November.

While consulting my beloved Prims book, I came across the sweetest pattern for a small, stand-up pumpkin doll. As is often the case, I felt inspired to adapt it and make it entirely my own! The foundation for this new creation was delightfully simple: the empty can from the pumpkin pie I baked for my husband’s birthday. I simply must find ways to utilize everything, so I saved the can for this very purpose!

And so, with immense pleasure, I present my final detailed autumn craft for the season: Pumpkin Man!

1. The Foundation: A Pie Can and The Coffee Dye

When I began, I knew the can would serve as the main body, so the immediate task was to transform that cold, shiny metal into something perfectly rustic and warm.

The Body (The Tin): I covered the tin entirely with some simple muslin, which I acquired quite inexpensively at the dollar store.
The Dye: To achieve that perfect aged patina, I turned to my trusted technique: a robust coffee soak. I used a strong cup of coffee, soaked the muslin thoroughly, and allowed it to dry completely. The resulting color is wonderfully antique!

2. Bringing His Little Face to Life

For his features, I utilized the pattern from the talented Lisa Pay’s “Halloween Boys” design. It provided the ideal structure for his slightly whimsical, yet utterly charming expression.

Details that Matter:
- His nose is detailed with floss.
- For the eyes, I chose buttons, setting them atop a small piece of black felt for shadow and then affixing smaller eye buttons on top.
- I took great care with his mouth, utilizing extra floss in a running stitch to bring the detailing through and offer a greater sense of texture.

3. Limbs, Layers, and My Signature Finish

Next came the enjoyable process of crafting his arms and legs!

The Limbs: For the internal structure, I used wire that I covered completely with some eye cord I had previously created while practicing. I was quite pleased that the cord was a wonderful, dark brown—it was perfectly suited for his limbs!
Attachment: I molded the wire into shape and simply glued the cord onto the bottom of the can. Prior to that, I covered the base of the tin with a piece of felt to ensure a clean, finished bottom.
His Little Outfit: I fashioned up simple little pants that draped down either side of the tin and created matching arm sleeves.
The Ruffle and Trim: I added a lovely large ruffle using the coffee-dyed muslin. To achieve that perfectly worn, vintage appearance, I purposefully pulled the threads off the fabric edge, which gives it that wonderfully ragged effect. A small bow and coordinating buttons adorn the front.
My Signature Heart: A piece is never truly finished without it! Along the back seam, I placed a length of that wonderful, ropey ribbon and attached my signature heart. It is a small detail, but one I cherish.

4. Crafting Feet and The Pumpkin Stock

The final, meticulous details are always the most rewarding!

The Feet: Having no pattern for his feet, I improvised—which is truly where the fun of crafting lies! I cut two pieces of woolly felt, folded them, curved them to look like little feet, and then used a running stitch to gather and securely attach them to the legs.
The Pumpkin Stock: For the very top of his head, I used the same wool felt to create the pumpkin stock. I wrapped it, glued it, and then cut it on an intentional angle to give it a more natural look.
The Leaves: The last flourish on top! I employed Heat and Bond with the fabric from his sleeves and finished the edges with a detailed blanket stitching in black thread.

A Note on Practicality (Why No Base?)

Now, ideally, this style of doll is often affixed to a wooden base. However, I am a pragmatic crafter, and I must consider storage. A base would simply occupy too much valuable space, and I am, quite frankly, running out of room! Therefore, for easy storage, I opted to leave him without a base. I think he is simply adorable just as he is!

A Glimpse into My Autumn Collection!

I must admit, I seem to have dedicated a considerable amount of time to my autumn crafting this October—and what immense joy it has brought!

Before I conclude, I wanted to quickly showcase a few of my past pumpkin projects that stood alongside him this season:

Last Year’s Cloth Pumpkins: I made a couple of these using the clown fabric from my son’s old Halloween costume. The method is quite simple: cut a circle, gather it at the top, stuff it, and use threads to pull it in and create the pumpkin segments. I even utilized those inexpensive wooden discs from the dollar store to help them stand!
This Year’s Salt Pumpkins: I created four of these little treasures for the crow project. They are made from a dollar store sock, stuffed, and then pulled with threads to give them firmness and texture. They are wonderfully finished with real cinnamon sticks for the stem!

I certainly feel I’ve devoted a good amount of time to my autumn crafting this October—and what fun it has been! We are quickly approaching November, but I can assure you, my little Prims book holds many more delightful patterns that may just inspire another creative spree next year. We shall wait and see what the season brings!

Dear friends, thank you so much for following along. I hope you find as much joy in Pumpkin Man as I found in creating him. Until next time!