How to Make Easy Concrete Pumpkins

Concrete projects often get a bad rap for being too difficult or messy, but this DIY Anthropologie dupe is possibly the quickest, easiest and most inexpensive concrete project ever. Neutral fall decor is here to stay, so these pumpkins will surely be a favorite for years to come.

1. Prep the Hosiery

The mold for the pumpkin starts in an unlikely place — your sock drawer. Nylon stockings or tights work best, but thin socks will also work. Avoid super sheer or very cheap nylons, as they may cling to the concrete after it dries. A thicker pair of tights or medium-weight hose works best. You will need about a 12-inch section for one pumpkin, so one pair of hosiery can make several pumpkins. For sections of hosiery that are not the toes, tie off one end tightly using a rubber band.

2. Mix the Concrete

Always wear a mask and gloves when working with concrete. Fine dust particles can be dangerous to inhale and concrete is caustic, abrasive and drying to the skin. Wet concrete can even burn skin with prolonged exposure. For each pumpkin, add about 5 cups of cement to a bucket or bowl. Slowly add water while mixing the concrete, until the consistency is similar to cake batter, just barely too thick to pour. Optionally, you can also add some acrylic paint to the mix if you want a little color in the pumpkin.

3. Add Concrete to Stocking

Stretch the stockings over the edge of a bowl or container to allow for an easy and mess-free transfer of the concrete mixture. Work the concrete down into the bottom of the section of the stocking by shaking, mashing or tapping it lightly on a table. When the pumpkin is the size you desire, remove it from the container. While holding the top of the stocking, gently drop the pumpkin a few times onto a hard surface to create a flat bottom rather than a perfect sphere. Tie a double knot in the stocking at the top middle of the pumpkin.

4. Create the Ribs

Cut three pieces of twine, each about 14 inches long. Lay them out on your work surface, overlapping in the center to form a wheel-like pattern. Position the pumpkin in the center of this wheel. Wrap each end of the twine around the pumpkin, and have them meet over the knot in the stocking. Loop the ends of the twine together and pull tightly. The knot in the stocking will create an indentation in the concrete as you secure the twine, this is where the stem will be inserted. Repeat this process with the remaining pieces of twine, tying each one tightly over the knot. Apply firm pressure to the top of the pumpkin, so the sides of the concrete pumpkin push against the twine, forming ribs.

5. Let Dry, Then Unwrap

Allow the pumpkin to dry for one to two hours, or just until it’s firm enough to hold its shape. Once it reaches this stage, carefully cut and remove the twine. Next, cut the stocking and gently peel it away from the concrete form. It’s easier to do this before the concrete fully hardens, as the nylon fabric in the stocking can become difficult to remove as the concrete cures. Let the pumpkin continue to dry overnight. For the finishing touch, create a stem from a piece of foraged wood and attach it using hot glue.

6. Display and Enjoy

This simple concrete project has a big payoff, resulting in a durable, classic piece of decor that will stand the test of time. Whether you tuck this cute little pumpkin into a pot on the front porch or make a few for the dining room table, you are sure to enjoy it for years to come.

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