Normally, I keep my air plants in a gold holder on a wall, but with fall approaching, I wanted to create a new place for them. Follow along to see how I turned a fake pumpkin into a hanging pumpkin plant holder using cotton cord to create macrame netting. This DIY took less than 30 minutes, and the result makes a great housewarming present for the fall holiday season. MORE: This upcycle craft turns mismatched Tupperware into chic planters
Pumpkin plant hanger materials
Fake pumpkins (I used 3-inch foam pumpkins, but you could do this DIY with any size, or even plastic pumpkins) X-Acto knife Cotton rope Scissors
Pumpkin plant hanger directions
Step 1
Use an Exacto knife to cut a hole in the center of the pumpkin, just as if you’re carving a real pumpkin.
Step 2
Segment the circle, and remove sections of the foam. You might need to use a key or knife to help push the first piece out.
Step 3
Hollow out the pumpkin about 1 inch from the surface.
Step 4
If you’re using a hollow plastic pumpkin, add a piece of floral foam to the bottom to hold the air plant in place.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to make the macrame holder. Cut eight strands of cotton rope about 24 inches long.
Step 6
Tie all the strands into one knot. MORE: See how to make a healthier pumpkin spice latte at home
Step 7
Pair up the strings and tie a knot about 2 inches from the main knot. You now should have four knots and four groupings of strings.
Step 8
Separate the grouping of strings and tie a knot with the two strands that are next to each other but in different groups. Tie these knots about 2 inches above the first row of knots.
Step 9
Complete this macrame plant holder with one last row of knots. This will create a basket-like shape for the pumpkin to rest inside.
Step 10
Place the pumpkin inside the macrame holder, and position the air plant inside.
A few notes
If I were make this pumpkin plant hanger again, I would paint the inside of the pumpkin orange or black to hide the hole. The white draws too much attention to itself between the orange pumpkin and green of the air plant. To best show off your macrame work, put up a hook that will bring your planter away from the wall, or hang a hook from the ceiling. Alternatively, hang your planter from a curtain rod.
MORE: DIY cork & cement candleholders make sophisticated at-home decor The best thing about these pumpkin plant hangers is that they can stay up from September until after Thanksgiving. Autumn, we’re ready for you! Now that your planters are done, learn how to make a macrame grocery bag! Who says sustainability can’t be trendy?
Show off your fall DIYs. Tag us on Instagram @makeitgrateful and #makeitgrateful!
