DIY Cute Fall Owl Decor Using Leftover Pumpkins

Turning pumpkins into little animals instead of the classic jack-o'-lantern face feels kind of magical. With just a little craftiness, those orange globes can grow all kinds of personalities, and there's no animal better suited than an owl, with their big round eyes and little tufts. This is one of the most adorable ways you can use leftover pumpkins from your yard this fall instead of buying new ones, which makes the project feel as thrifty as it is seasonal and cute.

Pumpkins are already like a blank canvas, and for this project, the larger the better. Larger pumpkins can become the body while smaller ones are better suited to become to eyes, ears, and even tiny feet. And don't worry about carving anything with precision here because uneven cuts and mismatched features will only make the bird feel more authentic, like it wandered out of a fairytale or a haunted forest. Once it's done, just a handful of battery-operated string lights or tea lights tucked inside your pumpkin owl will give it a soft glow, turning it into a creature far less spooky than a jack-o'-lantern and therefore much more inviting for young trick-or-treaters. And since it's always good to know how long pumpkins last after being harvested, you can plan this project so your owl stays fresh through fall festivities.

Transforming the pumpkin into an owl doesn't require the help of a wizard or even any fancy tools. First, scoop out a medium to large pumpkin so it's hollow. Then either carve large holes for the wide eyes or use mini gourds, acorns, or chestnuts by attaching them with toothpicks. Put the pumpkin innards to good use here too — some dried pumpkins seeds can easily be stuck around the eyes like little feathers, lashes, or eyebrows. 

Then make a beak for your owl. A wedge of squash or a triangular chunk of pumpkin can be stuck in place under the eyes, or simply cut away a beak shape in its place. Adding feet is a cute touch, too. Slice mini gourds in half and stick them under the main body so that it looks like your owl is perched on a tree branch. From there you can add some feather detailing by scratching shallow crescent shapes across the surface, drawing some on with chalk pen, or placing more dried pumpkin seeds down the owl's main body in a feather-like pattern. 

Once you have your main owl down, you can recreate the same look with a few smaller pumpkins to create a little woodland family that can be put outside sitting on a bed of colorful leaves or on a bale of hay, surrounded by twigs or lanterns for a storybook feel. Out of all the fun and creative ways to decorate with pumpkins, this one gives you a centerpiece with a unique character. It's a little woodland guardian glowing softly through the fall nights, bringing an added whimsy to fall decoration.