Home HolidaysOde to Turkey Marimekko Fall Arrangement

Marimekko Fall Arrangement

by Wendy Robbins

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.

You will love this adorable fall arrangment DIY vingette using Marimekko napkins or really any napkins you love! This Fall toolbox is the perfect place for your pumpkins. {Added bonus these cute DIY pumpkin cutouts}

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.

You will love this adorable fall arrangment DIY vingette using Marimekko napkins or really any napkins you love! This Fall toolbox is the perfect place for your pumpkins. {Added bonus these cute DIY pumpkin cutouts}

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

marimekko fall arrangement

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.

You will love this adorable fall arrangment DIY vingette using Marimekko napkins or really any napkins you love! This Fall toolbox is the perfect place for your pumpkins. {Added bonus these cute DIY pumpkin cutouts}

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.

marimekko fall arrangement

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.

marimekko fall arrangement

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

marimekko fall arrangement

You can add paper leaves or other embellishments if desired.

marimekko fall arrangement

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.

marimekko fall arrangement

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

You may also like

6 comments

Claire September 30, 2017 - 10:50 am

I absolutely adore your Marimekko fall planter. I also have a huge weakness for Marimekko, especially the Unikko print. I have decoupage a whole bench in the past with Marimekko Napkins (a blue version though) and even covered my stairs in Marimekko wallpaper. However, I don’t have a Marimekko planter yet!

Maria October 2, 2017 - 4:37 pm

I love that! The Unikko print is absolutely adorable. So bright and cheerful!

Michele Schiegner October 1, 2017 - 6:31 am

Where do you purchase Marimekko napkins??

Maria October 2, 2017 - 4:36 pm

There are Marimekko stores, and they also have them in Crate and Barrel. But my go is always Amazon http://amzn.to/2xWQoyT

Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled October 1, 2017 - 8:16 pm

Super fun! Love your arrangement and box. I agree completely about spray paint!! Visiting from Merry Monday.

Marie October 7, 2017 - 3:57 pm

This turned out beautifully! I love that you can see some of the wood grain through the Mod Podge napkins. Such a great centerpiece for fall. Thanks for sharing your tutorial with us at Merry Monday this week!

Leave a Comment

151 Shares
Tweet
Pin146
Share5