DIY White Corset Pumpkin

Clinton Kelly issued a “30 minute pumpkin challenge” and I was asked if I’d like to play along. The challenge was a simple one. Create a genius pumpkin in 30 minutes or less using craft supplies or pantry staples you have around the house. The pumpkins can be pretty, scary, or funny, as long as they are original! Clinton Kelly I accept your challenge, and I present to you my DIY White Corset Pumpkin.

Trying to come up with an original pumpkin idea in our #allpumpkineverything Pinterest-crazed culture is a tall order. No, it’s more like a VENTI order. Mmmmmmm…venti. Like a yummy Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte kind of tall order. 🙂   But since I have never seen a corset pumpkin done before, I think I accomplished the challenge. Woohoo!

My pumpkin design was inspired by all of the sassy lace-up heels I have admired since spring and continue to see this season. I wanted to do something girly and sassy, yet classy and cute. I love the corset lace up concept because you can completely change the look of your pumpkin simply by changing the ribbon or the color of the pumpkin.

Want to create your own sassy lace up pumpkin? Let’s do it! I will show you how.

Step 1 for DIY Pumpkin: Gather your supplies.

You will need:

• Pumpkin (I used a real pumpkin for this project but you could use a carvable faux pumpkin.)
• Drywall saw, cutting board, and spoon (to clean out pumpkin)
• Drill with 3/8 drill bit
• 8 3/8 in Grommets
• Paint & brush (optional)
• Ribbon of your choice

Step 2: Clean your pumpkin with a damp rag and place on cutting board.

Be sure to remove all debris and dirt from the skin and stem of your pumpkin. Dry the pumpkin off thoroughly and place on cutting board.

Step 3: Use drywall saw to cut open pumpkin.

A drywall saw works like a charm and cuts through the pumpkin like butter. Cut out a small circle on the bottom of your pumpkin. Use a diagonal grip jabbing the knife in and out to create a clean cut.

Step 4: Use a large spoon to scrap out the pumpkin guts.

This is by far my least favorite part of pumpkin carving. I have sensory issues and pumpkin innards completely gross me out. Wearing gloves helps a bit, but you can still feel that squishy squashy (hee hee…I said squashy) horribleness even through the gloves. Gross. I used a large serving spoon to scrape all of the pumpkin unmentionables out.

Step 5: Drill holes for Grommets.

I just eyeballed where the grommets should go and traced the drill holes onto the pumpkin. Drill four grommet holes  on each side of the pumpkin using your 3/8 in drill bit. You will only be using the fronts of your grommets. You can save the backs for a different project.

(Optional) Step 6: Paint your pumpkin.

I really wanted my pumpkin to complement my current fall color scheme so chose to paint it white. This is an optional step and will push you over the “30 minutes or less” time requirement unless you use chalk paint and a hair dryer (like I did) to quickly dry your paint. Feel free to paint your pumpkin whatever shade you desire. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in white.

Step 7: Place grommets in holes and weave your ribbon through the grommets.

Scrape the interior of the pumpkin at each grommet hole to cut down on any pumpkin gunk that might cling to your ribbon as you are threading. If you’ve done a decent job of scraping, it won’t be an issue. To get the look that I achieved, start threading your ribbon at the bottom of the pumpkin and work your way to the top. You will have to double back with your ribbon in order to create an “X” through each set of grommets. Just play with it until you achieve your desired look.

I love how my pumpkin turned out! I think it’s a great design that can easily be replicated and personalized. Please let me know if you try it!

Want more creative pumpkin inspiration? Visit clintonkelly.com to see some other 30 minute pumpkin challenge entries! You can also make your own 30 minute challenge pumpkin and post it on Instagram using the following hashtags: #pumpkinchallenge #pumpkins #30minpumpkin. Tag @clintonkellyofficial with your crafts and he will regram his favorites! Feel free to pin mine if you liked it!

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