Whimsical Pumpkin Patch Mantel Featuring Repurposed Ping Pong Paddles


Hi there, Friends! Ready or not, fall will be here soon and I've started sprucing up my nest for the season. Yes, you read the title right--I really did repurpose ping pong paddles to create a whimsical pumpkin patch! I try to change up my seasonal decor a little differently each year, and I had fun embellishing them and using them to decorate a simple mantel. 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel


When  I found these vintage ping pong paddles a few weeks ago, they were in a basket with the handles up, and I couldn't help but notice that they slightly resembled pumpkins. After all, pumpkins are various shapes and sizes, right? 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel


When I craft with vintage finds, if at all possible, I try not to use anything that will alter them permanently, which is why I decided against painting these. As is often the case, I did craft my repurposed pumpkins with items I had on hand. I used neutrals and pastels to complement my decor. My favorite is this one created with vintage quilt scraps. 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel


Vintage sheet music is one of my go-to craft supplies. I buy it by the book at thrift stores. 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel


I almost always use burlap in some form during the fall. {See how to make herby pumpkins here!} I'll be sharing a separate tutorial with the details to create all of these repurposed ping pong paddle pumpkins soon. 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel


Candle light is an easy way to create fall coziness and I often use LED candles on the mantel.  Remember the vintage school chalkboard I scored for a $1 and used in a back to school vignette? I can tell it will get a lot of use. I love it paired with the DIY fence I crafted from yard sale pickets. 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel


Did you notice that I moved my faux fireplace? I couldn't believe how seamlessly it fit with my existing gallery way, like it's been there all along. 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel


I literally switched the mantel from the living room to the dining room the day before I wrote this--more about that soon! 


whimsical pumpkin patch mantel



My Thrift Store Addiction

whimsical pumpkin patch mantel

Have you started any fall projects yet? 

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MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR FEATURING THIS POST:








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  1. Cecilia, I love it! I might like the quilt scrap one the best too. So cool! Oh my goodness! I can't wait to see your mantel on your gallery wall! And what did you do to the living room wall? I'm on pins and needles!!;)
    Cecilia

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  2. Really clever Cecilia ... looks great. Love that you moved the mantel ... just perfect there and will give you more room in the living room.
    Hugs,
    Audrey Z.

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  3. I like the quilt scrap one best, too; it is such a non-traditional color; any more strips like that for an Easter egg? Other than started a fall leaf pillow for my daughter and framing US Postal service pictures of 32 cent stamps of horror movie stars for daughter and my booth, I haven't done any fall decorating here! Picked some yarrow today, before the rain started!

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  4. What a great idea!! Love it!! Thanks so much for stopping by as often as you do!!
    Hugs
    Debbie

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  5. Cecilia that is adorable! I remember when you scored those paddles, and I wondered what you'd do with them. Clever!

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  6. So cute. I was waiting to see what you were going to do with them!

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  7. They are adorable, Cecilia--very clever idea with great results :) Happy Fall!!

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  8. Cute pumpkins. They are so charming.

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  9. You nailed this Cecilia! This is the cutest vignette and we are so happy that you shared it with us at Celebrate Your Story.

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  10. The ping pong paddles work so well Cecilia and the way you've displayed them on the mantle, against the picket fence is really cool. Great idea

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  11. What a clever re-use of the paddles, they turned out so darn cute, Im featuring them on this weeks #OMHGWW!!!

    Thanks for joining us to party and share!!
    Have a great week!

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  12. Very cute. Thanks for sharing this with us at the Waste Not Wednesday link Party. Looking forward to seeing you back this week.

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  13. Oh my.. they look sooo cute! Love the one with musical notes and all those ribbons

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  14. Sooooo cute. I like that you finished each one off differently. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle.

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