Velvet Pumpkin Placecards

I love the velvet pumpkins you've seen around for Fall.

We have family coming in town for Thanksgiving,

so I thought I'd make some minis and use them at each place setting. 

 You'll need some velvet or velour fabric.

I went online and ordered fabric samples from the upholstery section.

This was perfect--the swatches were about 8"x8",

just a few dollars a sample and I could get a variety of colors.

Use a bowl to trace a circle on your fabric and cut.

 Sew a wide stitch around the edge with a sewing machine.

And pull to gather.

I added 1/4 cup of plastic pellets

and a little stuffing. ( you don't need too much stuffing)

Take a needle and thread and sew a loose stitch around your gathers. 

Pull it closed and stitch back and forth to bring the edges into the center. 

 You want to cut out some little pumpkin or squash stems

and let them dry out. (This step has to be done a few days before you attach them.)

You'll use these for your velvet pumpkin stems.

I used a combo of E6000 and hot glue to attach the stems.

Press the stem down, push the fabric around it and hold for a few minutes until dry.

Look at these beauties!

While I sewed the pumpkins, my daughter stamped our "thanks" tags.

Tie them on the stems with some twine.

Getting ready for the big feast!

I think our guests will enjoy these little pumpkins to take home.

 Happy Thanksgiving!