1. The Vintage Book Page Pumpkin Garland
There is a distinct, nostalgic charm in repurposing old, worn-out books into seasonal decor. The soft, sepia tones of aged paper instantly bring a cozy, scholarly warmth to your autumn interior. To create this beautiful vintage book page pumpkin garland, you will need an old paperback book (one whose spine is already damaged is perfect for upcycling), some orange watercolor or diluted acrylic paint, twine, and a few small twigs gathered from your backyard. Start by drawing a simple half-pumpkin silhouette on a piece of cardboard to use as your template. Fold several book pages together, trace your template along the folded edge, and cut them out. By gluing the backs of these folded pages together accordion-style, you will create a three-dimensional paper pumpkin that boasts incredible depth and texture.
To give these literary pumpkins an authentic autumn glow, lightly brush the outer edges of the paper ridges with a warm orange watercolor wash. This allows the printed text to still peek through beautifully while giving the pumpkin its signature hue. Use hot glue to attach a small twig to the top of each paper pumpkin to serve as a stem, and tie a tiny piece of green raffia or moss around it for a touch of organic color. Thread a thick jute twine through the stems or the backs of the pumpkins to string them together. Hanging this across a fireplace mantel surrounded by brass candlesticks and real white pumpkins creates a sophisticated, dark academia aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from early September all the way through Thanksgiving.