Marimekko Fall Arrangement

Every woman has her Kryptonite, whether a weakness for fresh flowers, or designer shoes, or (as in my case) beautiful textiles and prints. From Kaffe Fasset to Orla Kiely to (my favorite) Marimekko – I am drawn to unique and interesting patterns. That’s why, when asked to create a rockin’ DIY project for fall, I couldn’t go the traditional route. I had to toss in a little Finnish funk and came up with this Marimekko fall arrangement.

I needed paper napkins for this project and had my heart set on an orange and pink Unikko design. However, I couldn’t find them anywhere. What’s a woman to do? Order them from Finland. Simple paper napkins but in a bold, whimsical print. My Kryptonite.

Ready to add a little fun to your next Fall pumpkin arrangement?

Step 1 – Marimekko planter

Several years ago, a friend gave me a rustic Christmas centerpiece – a black wooden planter filled with greenery and lights. Just a bit too country for my taste, but I love my friend and wanted to use this thoughtful gift. There’s one mantra in craftland. There’s very little a can of spray paint can’t fix. So I painted the container white. Then I brought out another powerful weapon in my crafting arsenal – Mod Podge, and my happy little napkins from Finland.

Once the white paint dried, I brushed Mod Podge onto a small segment of the planter, unfolded a napkin, and pressed it onto the sticky section while smoothing out the wrinkles with my fingers. I trimmed away excess napkin, then administered a top coat of Mod Podge. I kept repeating this procedure with each section. Once completely dry, I sprayed with a clear sealer.

For added pizazz, before adding mini pumpkins to the planter, I painted a few of them with pops of yellow and pink.

Step 2 – paper pumpkins

I’ve made these little pumpkins before, and they always provide an unexpected touch to any Autumn vignette. All you need is some fun craft paper (my print and pattern fetish again), a hole punch, twine, and copper brads.

First, using a paper cutter, cut five 2″ strips of paper from a 12″ x 12″ sheet. Then cut the strips in half.

Next, using a hole punch, make a hole in both ends of each paper strip. Cut a piece of thin twine about 24″ long. Knot one end of the twine, then thread the other end through each of the 10 paper strips at one end.

Now insert a small brad through that same hole for reinforcement. Take the loose end of the twine and thread it through all the holes in the other end of the paper strips, and tie a knot to secure it. The strips of paper should bow, creating a half moon shape (shown below.) Do not cut the end of the twine, as you will need it for hanging.

Gently separate the strips of paper, fanning them out evenly to create a pumpkin shape.

You can add paper leaves or other embellishments if desired.

Step 3 – building your vignette

When I started arranging my items for this photoshoot, I wanted to add everything – painted pumpkins, Indian corn, hay bales… Then I realized that sometimes less is more. Using an Ivar side unit from Ikea for a ladder, I tied the paper pumpkins to the top bar, along with a strand of berry garland.

I paired it with the Marimekko planter and then added an array of real pumpkins and a beautiful Mum. All together, they make a whimsical Fall vignette, perfect for a porch or hallway.

Who says adding a punch of Marimekko to your seasonal decor isn’t fabulous? Even Jackie Kennedy wore Marimekko dresses in the White House, proving that color and whimsy are as much an enduring classic as Audrey Hepburn’s pearls.

So go ahead, paint your pumpkins, put on your pearls, and enjoy the fall festivities.

This craft was created by Wendy Robbins of My French Twist.  She is so creative and loves to decorate for the holidays! We love her style. Visit her website where she shares an original DIY tutorial weekly.

CREATE A LOVELY BUTTERFLY AND HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN

HOW TO MIX AND MATCH WRAPPING PAPER

PRINTABLE AFFIRMATION CARDS