Forget Rotting Pumpkins, Use An Old Bundt Pan For A Cute DIY

Once fall rolls around, you can expect everyone to assume a pumpkin state of mind. From "gourdgeous" lawn displays to pops of orange across the mantle — and even coffee orders — pumpkins rule the roost. No fall decor idea is truly complete without a gourd or two. But if you want your seasonal squash to outlast autumn itself, you're going to need to go the fake route. Fortunately, this seasonal DIY allows you to repurpose an old bundt pan into floral pumpkin decor with rustic, old-timey charm. Bonus? There's no rotting involved.  

While your bakeware is no longer suitable for making cakes, does that mean it needs to go in the recycling bin? Au contraire. PreservingwithPatti on TikTok proves that the old kitchen accessory can find a new life as a decorative seasonal statement-maker. Plus, some wear and tear gives the piece character through its "cracks, layers, and all the imperfections," according to the DIYer. To get started, you'll need a bundt pan (of course), an old spindle, Zinsser Bull's Eye Shellac, milk paint, furniture wax, a paint brush, a glue gun, a heat gun, screws, and a sanding sponge. You'll also need decorative fall florals and accents. This an engaging, unique project that you can truly make your own, plus you won't need to worry about composting this pumpkin at the end of the season. But keep in mind: The paint accessories do add up and will average $20 each or so.

Don't throw out an old bundt pan without taking a gander at this DIY first. To start, clean up your bakeware and apply a coat of the Zinsser sealer. Once that's dry, apply a coat of milk paint in a dark color, followed by an ivory shade, using a heat gun in between coats. The TikTok creator chose Sweet Pickins Milk Paint in Suitcase, followed by Flour Sack. Once the pan is dry, go over it with a sanding sponge and furniture wax to accentuate the cracks. Lastly, the TikTok DIYer finds suitable sized screws to fasten the spindle into the bundt to act as a stem, though you can use an adhesive like a glue gun if that's more appropriate for your end result. She puts the finishing touches on the piece with moss, faux florals, and plaid ribbons, which you can adhere using tape or a glue gun, depending on your needs.

@1rusticrescue

These hot summer temperatures have me dreaming of FALL! 🍂🎃 I've had this idea saved on Pinterest for quite a while, and I finally decided it was time to bring it to life. An old Bundt pan, a vintage spindle rescued from my husband's workshop, a few handmade details, some paint, and a little imagination became the sweetest vintage-inspired pumpkin. 🤎 There's just something I love about taking pieces that have been forgotten or overlooked and giving them a brand-new purpose. And isn't that such a beautiful reminder of what God does with us? He sees value where others may not. He takes the worn, imperfect and discarded pieces and creates something beautiful for His purpose. ❤️ Rescue • Redeem • Restore. That's what Rustic Rescue is all about. Now tell me... are you ready for fall, or are you hanging onto summer as long as you can? 🍁 #diy #fall #faithfilledflip #thrift #craft

♬ original sound – Rustic Rescue

The beauty about this fall DIY decor idea is that creativity is encouraged, and there is no "wrong" approach to the craft. You can paint the bundt in the color of your choosing; you can opt for an antique candle stick instead of a spindle for the branch; you can mix and match the faux florals, ribbons, and decorative accessories. Why not make an ivory one for Thanksgiving and create a dark, black and orange piece for Halloween with gloomy faux florals? (The Dollar Tree Halloween shop can assist with those accessories.) Those bundt cakes might be a thing of the past, but this table centerpiece is just as sweet — no matter how you decide to style it.