08/04/2026
Concrete pumpkins…
What I learned while making these:
1. The tiny bag of concrete weighs 80 lbs. WHaaaaat???
Plan B. Cut the bag and scooped out what I needed.
2. Who knew that a nylon knee high can stretch half way across the yard when filled?!?! Not this gal!
Which left me wondering why they come in different sizes? A family of four could have fit in there.
3. There’s no right or wrong way to make these. Shape them as naturally or as wonky as you like.
Materials:
1. Bucket dedicated to mixing cement
2. Trowl
3. String ( thickness is a personal preference, I use a thicker macrame cord)
4. Knee highs, or cut up some panty hose. Just be sure to tie one end before you scoop in the concrete ( ask me how I know 🤦♀️)
5. Concrete. Usually sand based , like quickcrete is used, I happened to have concrete from a project and I hate wasting anything.
6. Rubber gloves.
How To:
Mix your concrete so it is on the thicker side, like a hearty chili..can you tell I’m hungry?
Cut four lengths of string apx 10-12” each.
Lay one vertically and the second string horizontally creating a “plus sign” the next two pieces I lay as an “X” over the “plus sign”
Use your trowl to scoop the concrete into the nylon. After each scoop hold the nylon up to allow the concrete to reach the bottom.
Once you have the size you want, with gloved hands, shape it. Don’t be afraid to try different sizes or shapes. Don’t strive for perfection, just enjoy the process.
Place your pumpkin on to the center of your strings. Simply tie each string to form the indents you’d normally see on a pumpkin.
That’s it.
These will take 48-72 hrs to fully dry, unless you use a sand based quickcrete they should be ready 24-48hrs.
**Dry your pumpkins in a shady area. If they are left in the sun, the water will evaporate too quickly leading to cracks.
Once dry, you may seal it with a waterproof sealer, paint it, get creative and add some moss or raffia. I plan on leaving mine natural and place them on my porch with real pumpkins.
