If you’ve been following here for any length of time, you know how much I love book page projects. Creating everything from Christmas trees to medallion wreaths, to spring-flowering branches with book pages makes my heart sing.

 

Who Guessed You Could Make Pumpkins and Gourds from Paperback Books? :: Book Page Fall Home Decor

 

As summer rolled into fall, I got the itch to create another book page project.

Any guesses as to what I might have tried my hand at?

Yup! You guessed it!

Pumpkins and gourds.

 

As a lover of all things book page, I just had to try my hand at creating pumpkins and gourds from paperback books. Though not exact replicas...they are a fun way to hand make some Fall Home Decor that's NOT orange.  Click on the photo to see more of this pretty porch space, too.

 Please “pin” and share this image.

 

You really can create pumpkins and gourds from paperback books!

Especially if you have a great imagination. [wink]

 

Make Pumpkins and Gourds from Paperback Books :: Book Page Home Decor

 

Not long ago, I visited my good friend and brought along my new creations. I didn’t have the perfect spot for them…but she did!!

This is the screen porch where we enjoyed our wonderful brunch that I talked about here.

After brunch we rearranged a pillow or two…and I stole a lovely tray from her living room and added it to her huge coffee table.

It was the perfect spot to place my book page pumpkins and gourds!

 

Book Page Pumpkins :: Fall Home Decor

 

Did you notice I said pumpkins and gourds? Can you tell which is a pumpkin and which is a gourd?

I didn’t think so.

That’s the beauty of the book page variety.

They can be whatever you want them to be.

Except orange. Or green. Or yellow.

I think they’re perfect in black and white!

All the way down to their lovely homemade stems.

 

Make Pumpkins and Gourds from Book Pages :: Fall Home Decor

 

The screen porch was the perfect setting with the type-style graphics on the lampshades for my pumpkins and gourds made from paperback books.

The black and white graphic pillows on the wicker sofa and the stenciled pillow were spot-on as well.

Actually, since this blog is about living life to the full, the “live life to the fullest” pillow is an appropriate backdrop.

 

Create Paperback Pumpkins and Gourds for Autumn :: Fall Home Decor

 

You might remember from an earlier post on the home tour, that my friend and I had so much catching up to do that I missed some shots of the photo shoot of her dining room that I should have gotten.

Well, in this case, I took a series of photos with an object in the photos which is totally out-of-place.   And I have no idea how it got there.  I do remember one of us picking up a few things and moving them to a different location.  It’s pretty funny as the objects are missing in earlier photos, but show up in later ones.

My only guess is that one of us was talking and set it down and I totally failed to see it in the camera because my mind was going a hundred bazillion different directions at once.

When it comes to focus…I have a difficult time.  I am highly distractible.  Really it’s amazing that I ever accomplish anything.   But, I digress…

All that to explain why this beautiful room has something in it that doesn’t belong and sticks out like a sore thumb.  I can’t believe I never noticed it until I was back home flipping through my photos.

 

Here’s a reality check…

Life is not perfect!

As much as I might strive toward perfection… I miss.

Over and over and over again… I miss.

Sometimes it’s just a beautiful room captured with a misplaced item.  Or two.

Other times it’s more or less serious.

The bottom line.

I am not perfect.  And never will be.

So… with that in mind… I share another gorgeous view of a screen porch where you would want to spend your spring, summer, and autumn.  With something(s) out of place.

 

NO NOT PIN!! Whatever you do… DO NOT pin this last photo.  Okay?

 

Just between us… I’m okay with my imperfection.

Okay…not really…but since we’re friends I assume you’ll extend me a measure of grace.

 

However…I am not okay with the whole world knowing about my imperfection.

I have not come that far, yet.  Maybe someday?

 

Tell me what you love about my friend’s screen porch.

Oh… did you figure out which were the pumpkins and which were the gourds?  😉

 

 Click HERE for a tutorial on how to make book page pumpkins with realistic stems!

 

Thanks for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

If you enjoyed this post….please pass it on to your friends.

Wishing YOU an extraordinary day!
Diane

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Comments

  1. I want to try this, I’ve got old paperback books just waiting to see how you made the stems….btw I can’t find what your saying is out of place…hint.

    • Diane says

      Haha…then I won’t point it out, Jo May! 😉
      Oh how fun that you have books waiting to become pumpkins….

      Best wishes for an extraordinary day!

  2. I have no idea which is a gourd and which is a pumpkin. Although the one that looks octagonal (from the side) reminds me most of a traditional pumpkin. And I was going to nag (j/k) you about showing us this lovely craft and not having a how-to…but you beat me to it. Um, offering the tutorial, that is. :O) See ya Thursday, Diane!

    • Diane says

      You are so funny, LuAnn! 😉
      The post is up…I’m sure you saw it…hope you’re not upset because I didn’t include the tutorial for the two smaller pumpkins….I couldn’t find the photos. !!!! Did I only think I took those photos?

      Thanks for popping by, friend!

  3. Auntiepatch says

    What’s wrong with the last photo? It’s beautiful!

    • Diane says

      Awwww…Auntiepatch…..I could give you a big big hug!

  4. Rochelle vandam says

    Oh. You did it again!! Your pictures are beautiful. The pumpkins look so cute. I forgot about these pictures, I hope you get a lot of interest in them..

    • Diane says

      I’m so glad that you’re loving them. 🙂
      You are the biggest blessing ever. Thank you for all your help and hospitality and generosity!!
      Love you!

  5. susie says

    I made these last year aren’t they so cute and easy.you can dress them up with leaves stix and what not and even spray them with spray paint or tea dye I love using books for all kinds of decor.I loved your spring tree you had.Susie

    • Diane says

      You remembered my spring flowering branches!!! You just made my day, Susie!! Thank you!
      I know…book page ‘art’ is sooo fun! Glad you had fun make your pumpkins, last year.
      Blessings!

  6. those are super cute! I have been wanting to make something with old books for a long time now. I need to get to work lol. and PS..your porch is beautiful..even if you say there is something out of place lol
    I am hosting my first ever Tuesday Link Up Party that runs all week long. I hope you can come over and link up with me!! I love meeting new ladies and getting to see all the amazing content everyone has to offer! I would love to have you! http://liverandomlysimple.com/totally-terrific-tuesday-linkup-party-1/

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks Jessica!! I hope you have fun making something with old books, too! 😉
      Thanks for the invite! I put it in my party journal. 😉

  7. Kim says

    You know how much I adore your book page projects ~ including those lovely Christmas trees~ AND I think they’re all perfect!

  8. Thank you for sharing this today over on the Polka Dots on Parade link up! I love this, it is so cute and such a great idea to try.

    xoxo
    Ashley

  9. oh these book pumpkins and gourds are totally awesome! love these and so need to make my own!

  10. Suzan says

    These are just beautiful Diane – I have a passion for books so this would be perfect for my house!!!
    And what is wrong with that last photo?
    All I see is a gorgeous screened in porch !
    XOXO

  11. We do this for Christmas to make trees that decorate the kids dressers! I love that you can do it for many other things:) Hopped over from Creative Ways Link Party.

  12. Jann Olson says

    Hi Diane, we made pumpkins and trees last year and they were super fun! Haven’t thought of making a gourd. They look really pretty corralled together on the tray! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  13. I love many things about this porch…and the pumpkins are such a great idea I would never have considered! Thanks so much for sharing with the Thursday Blog hop. Have a great weekend!

  14. Hi,
    I found you from thrifty Thursday. I love using books for craft project too. I have never done a folded version though. Just one more thing for the to do list. Thanks for sharing.

    Cindy

  15. You are perfect JUST THE WAY YOU ARE! And your pumpkins are Anthropologie-quality! In fact, i might add them to my Anthropologie paper craft page.

  16. Fabulous pumpkin and gourds!!! As soon as I can make myself tear the covers and spine off one of my books, I’m making one!!!

  17. I love these so much! I have tons of paperback that I am thinking of throwing away but now I’m thinking I want to give this a try! Pinning to try this weekend!

  18. These are darling. I love this fun and creative way to use old books. Pinning!!

  19. Judy says

    I love this project. I have got to try making a few with some old books I have. I will be featuring this tonight at my Fall into Fall party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com

  20. Susan says

    This is so clever. You did a great job!

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

  21. Those are just too cute! I’ll have to add it to my never ending list of reusing book projects. I’d love for you to share this with my readers on my site for Two Uses Tuesday. It’s already been pinned to that Pinterest Board of mine 😉

  22. These are absolutely too cute for words! Thank you so much for sharing them at the Twirl & Take a Bow Party! I’m pinning to our party board!
    Leslie

  23. April says

    What a fun fall craft! I would like to invite you to share your fall posts to my 2014 Harvest Hop Linky Party. 🙂
    http://www.aprilshomemaking.com/2014/10/2014-harvest-hop-link-up.html

  24. These are so cute! Thanks for sharing !

  25. I am in love with this book DIY, The porch look so peaceful to sit out there and read a book:) I’m very excited to have found this. Will be making this one. Hope you can share this amazing post at my party.
    Thanks Maria

  26. Wow. Now that’s creativity right there.

  27. I just am amazed by these! Thanks for linking up at Totally Terrific Tuesday. Make sure you come back Monday night at 10pm to link up any new posts!!

  28. Hi Diane,
    I just love your paperback pumpkins! I just took a book binding class but will now be able to use the rest of the book, not just the cover. Talk about repurposing! Thanks so much for the tutorial…Cheryl

  29. These are just so cute Diane. I am planning to make some different pumpkins this week and I might just try one of these. Thank you for sharing it at to What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week!
    Hugs, Deborah

  30. Mel says

    Oh, silly woman, you’re soooo hyper-critical of you. What’s wrong with that last photo? :-/ You’re silly, and creative…..and silly! 😉

Trackbacks

  1. […] you missed it….I made several styles of paperback book pumpkins here.  One might look a little familiar. […]

  2. […] I confess I am totally smitten with pumpkins.  You can find me plumping the window box with pumpkins, tweaking muffin mixes with pumpkin, “pumpkinscaping” my sideboard with pumpkins, and even making pumpkins from paperback books. […]

  3. […] Who Guessed You Could Make Pumpkins & Gourds From Paperback Books? […]

  4. […] MAKE PUMPKINS AND GOURDS FROM PAPERBACK BOOKS by AN EXTRAORDINARY DAY […]

  5. […] You might have seen her jewel-toned dining room here.  Or her amazing tree-lined entryway here.  Or her screened porch here. […]

  6. […] in the season I showed you her jewel-toned dining room, her stunning entryway, and I showed off my book page pumpkins on her screen […]

  7. […] Pumpkins and Gourds from Paperback Books | An Extraordinary Day […]

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