Wednesday, October 14, 2015

V is for Velvet Pumpkins




V is for Velvet
~ Velvet Pumpkins ~

I succumbed to the spell 
of velvet pumpkins several years ago when
I purchased a group with the intention of using
them as the center piece down a long table
for a birthday luncheon I was hosting that October.

As it turned out,  there was not sufficient
space on the table for a gathering of velvet pumpkins.
Instead, I grouped them together on the mantel that fall.

I mixed in bittersweet, Mr. Pudge, and 
faux candles with a birch bark covering.

Since that first year, I've simplified the mantel display
using the antique French balance scale to hold
a few of the velvet pumpkins and touches of bittersweet.

I like to nestle the pumpkins into
a soft bed of Spanish moss.

Using less on the mantel allows me to use the velvets in other
ways, depending on what inspiration strikes my fancy.

Sometimes I tuck them into
flower arrangements.

Or gather them near a vase of 
fresh flowers for added interest.

Even one or two anchors a vase of
flowers with a touch of autumn.

One or two pumpkins can also add a festive 
touch for fall within vignettes.

This fall I added a few to the
shelves in the bamboo cabinet on the sun porch.

It's easy to tuck them in here and there among
the items already on the shelves in a cabinet or on bookshelves.

Velvet pumpkins are made with luscious colors
and real pumpkin stems that have been dried.
I like the natural element and the whimsey of the
shapes and textures of the real stems.

I'm always on the watch for fresh ideas.
This was a table from the Nashville Antique and Garden Show.
The dealer used varying heights of footed compotes or
cake stands to stack the velvet pumpkins for a centerpiece.

This store display offered a touch of whimsey
with this squirrel and velvet pumpkins made in leopard print.
Leopard isn't really my style, but
I was tempted to add one or two of these.

I have an entire Pinterest Board dedicated
to ideas of how others use their velvet pumpkins.
One of my favorite pins is this one from 
Edith and Evelyn Vintage.
It may not be all that practical, but 
I'm drawn to the contrast of the texture of the
luxe of the velvet pumpkins and the gold wash frame
against the rustic of the burlap on the chair.
You can see more beauty at Edith and Evelyn Vintage HERE.

My friend, Yvonne @ Stone Gable
shared five beautiful ways to style
velvet pumpkins HERE.

Velvet pumpkins offer an elegant 
understated touch of autumn.
Stop by my Pinterest Board to see more.

https://www.pinterest.com/hyacinth2/velvet-pumpkins/


Joining
Vintage Charm @ Charm Bracelet Diva

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Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

64 comments:

  1. xinexOctober 14, 2015 at 10:20 PM

    You have somany great ideas, Sarah. Velvet pumpkins are so pretty!....Christine

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  2. Rattlebridge FarmOctober 14, 2015 at 10:56 PM

    Your velvet pumpkins are so plush and pretty. I love every one of your vignettes. I specially loved the painting of Sadie in your bamboo cabinet. Hope you are enjoying autumn!

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  3. The French HutchOctober 15, 2015 at 6:24 AM

    Sarah, I have a small collection of velvet pumpkins that I love and it grows a little with every year. I am enjoying all of your vignettes in how to style, great inspiration. I love the snap of your bamboo cabinet on your sunporch, what a lovely piece and sweet Sadie looking so adorable. Autumn hasn't made an appearance here, it is still hot. Soon I hope we will have some cool crisp air!
    Enjoy the season.............

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  4. Patti @ Pandoras BoxOctober 15, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    What a grand collection you have! I have a medium size leopard velvet pumpkin and just love it! I save my real pumpkin stems ever year (with the thought that someday I will have a plan for their use) and maybe next year I will make a few in various colors! Your vases on the mantle are stunning! Enjoy fall, before we know it we will be decorating for Christmas!!

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  5. PoppyOctober 15, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    Velvet anything adds such low key luxury to any display, doesn't it? Your velvety pumpkins, plump and petite, in pretty jewel tones are adorable, Sarah, and you've created such charming vignettes with all of them. I especially like the arrangement on your bamboo cabinet.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Poppy

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  6. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenOctober 15, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    I loved seeing all your velvet pumpkin vignettes throughout your home, Sarah. They certainly add a touch of soft texture and lush sheen and color. Your mantle with the antique balance scale was one of my favorites. I also enjoyed seeing other uses that you've shared through other sources. I don't have any velvet pumpkins, but know I would enjoy their beauty.
    Your picture of Sadie in your bamboo bookshelf is adorable! Happy Fall!

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  7. ScribblerOctober 15, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    Your pumpkins are really beautiful. I have never acquired any, mainly I suppose because I have never seen any as pretty as these. Many of them I see look so cheesy. I love that painting over your mantel of the people resting on the quilt. And that bamboo cabinet is to die for!

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  8. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsOctober 15, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    I love all the ways you are displaying your velvet pumpkins. They are so pretty.

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  9. Rocky Mountain WomanOctober 15, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    They are so elegant! Much more so than most Halloween decorations. I

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  10. BabsOctober 15, 2015 at 10:11 AM

    LOVE LOVE your style! Especially, how you use them in the bamboo chest. Actually, I loved ALL the ways you styled them. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  11. Angelina at Petite HausOctober 15, 2015 at 11:15 AM

    I also just love velvet pumpkins! I love their deep jewel colors with the real pumpkin stem. I remember he first time I saw them YEARS ago was in my hometown of Portland, turns out Hot Skwash is from Portland and we were the first to see before they hit the national stage...didn't but any until a few years ago (had to save up, of course!) I love how you have displayed all of them! It's hard to go wrong when displaying something so pretty :-)

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  12. Our Hopeful HomeOctober 15, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    What beautiful pumpkins and vignettes! Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year! Three friends and I started a Vintage Charm Link Party and we'd be honored to have you join in! You can stop by here and share your vintage and/or vintage inspired goodies! http://charmbraceletdiva.blogspot.com/2015/10/vintage-charm-party-1.html

    Hope to see you there! xoKathleen

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  13. StaceyOctober 15, 2015 at 3:07 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous!

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  14. Kim October 15, 2015 at 3:56 PM

    I just love those velvet pumpkins, too. You have displayed them so beautifully, I keep saying that I am going to treat myself to a few one of these days!

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  15. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaOctober 15, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    I fell in love with velvet pumpkins last year and bought 3. I need more! Yours are just beautiful in every setting!

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  16. ℳartina @ Northern NestingOctober 15, 2015 at 6:01 PM

    Love the way you displayed your pretty pumpkins Sarah....your home is beautiful!!!

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  17. carol l mckennaOctober 15, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    Very creative decor and your velvet pumpkins are so elegant ~ Great post for V!

    Happy Weekend to you,
    artmusedog and carol

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  18. Sandi MagleOctober 15, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    Gorgeous, they just look like you should name them and let them live in your house all year round...symbol of abundance.
    Thanks for the sweet tour, Sandi

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  19. Whispering ThoughtsOctober 15, 2015 at 8:45 PM

    Some smart home styling tips with elegant velvet pumpkins

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  20. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizOctober 15, 2015 at 9:28 PM

    Boy those are all beautiful. I've crushed on them too but never bought any. Great ideas on how to display them in various ways.

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  21. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow October 16, 2015 at 1:04 AM

    So many ideas, and such beautiful colors! xoxo Su

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  22. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow October 16, 2015 at 1:04 AM

    So many ideas, and such beautiful colors! xoxo Su

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  23. MaryOctober 16, 2015 at 5:11 AM

    Pinning and following your velvet pumpkin board Sarah! I love all the variety and ways those wonderful velvet pumpkins are displayed. Such whimsy and fun on the table and in that handsome chair! I'm drooling over your handsome bamboo cabinet too. :)

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  24. Ricki TreleavenOctober 16, 2015 at 1:33 PM

    Sarah, you have shared some wonderful ideas for displaying velvet pumpkins in this post, and I love them all….even the photo with them in the chair! So cute. I've never used them on my Thanksgiving table, but I think I'll try it this year!

    xo,
    RJ

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  25. Su-sieee! MacOctober 16, 2015 at 5:54 PM

    I've only seen velvet pumpkins in store and thought, oh, okay. But, wowza, you've got me wanting some velvet pumpkins now. Now, I see how delightful they are.
    The View from the Top of the Ladder

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  26. Botanic BleuOctober 16, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    Sarah,
    Love your V for velvet pumpkins. I was tempted to buy some after reading Yvonne's and Kim's posts about their beautiful velvet pumpkins and even found some reasonably priced ones at our local grocery store. Then I forgot to get them before I left the store.

    I'm waiting to see your X post, wondering what great thing you will feature.

    Judith

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  27. JoanneOctober 16, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    Just beautiful -- velvet pumpkins are such a fun twist and are so elegant. Love your pinterest board! Now a follower -- thank you for sharing your ideas!

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  28. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleOctober 16, 2015 at 9:52 PM

    Wow, Sarah, you have quite a collection. I love your bamboo cabinet.

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  29. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderOctober 16, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    Dearest Sarah,
    Wow, love your very first photo most as they look most natural for the fall.
    I've also seen some champagne silk velvet pumpkins that I like very much!
    Who ever came up with the idea for using natural pumpkin stems; brilliant.
    You always show the most wonderful photos and settings.
    Sending you hugs and wishing you a happy weekend.
    Mariette

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  30. Linda @ Life and LindaOctober 17, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    Sarah, Love your velvet pumpkins. Love how you displayed them. Your home is beautiful Sarah. Enjoy the weekend.

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  31. lorraines resources and rewardsOctober 17, 2015 at 4:16 PM

    after seeing your post I am now on the hunt for velvet pumpkins so pretty and versatile love your displays have a great weekend zen hugs and purrrs from frankie my model for all my art work

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  32. Art and SandOctober 18, 2015 at 1:48 AM

    Your photos are all lovely. My favorite display is all the velvet pumpkins in the chair.

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  33. UnknownOctober 18, 2015 at 1:11 PM

    Now you might have the best collection of velvet pumpkins! I love how you tuck them in with your floral display.

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  34. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonOctober 18, 2015 at 3:47 PM

    Sarah, I love them, but only have three small. Two have real stems. Your assortment is gorgeous! When I get home I'm hopping over to your Pinterest board.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  35. ShirleyOctober 18, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    This is my first year making Velvet Pumpkins. I love them and never get tired of seeing everyone's ideas for styling! Yours are gorgeous.

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  36. UnknownOctober 18, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    You have an artist's touch that is evident in your displaying your pretty pumpkins! I do love them but have limited myself to a couple. I do think I could buy more than I would be able to store.

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  37. joyh82October 19, 2015 at 12:21 PM

    I love your vignette's and I love the pretty velvet pumpkins.
    Joy @ Books and Life

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  38. Magical Mystical TeacherOctober 19, 2015 at 12:46 PM

    The bamboo shelves, offset with blues, are luscious!

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  39. SmilingSallyOctober 19, 2015 at 1:22 PM

    Hi Sarah,

    When I first began reading this post about velvet pumpkins, I longed for a blue one. You didn't disappoint me! Thanks for sharing.

    Happy Blue Monday!

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  40. eileeninmdOctober 19, 2015 at 2:01 PM

    Hello, lovely Autumn decorations. I love all the pumpkins and cute owl! Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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  41. LVOctober 19, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    You have used your velvet pumpkins very nicely. I gave up decorating sever years ago. It is just me. The picture in the second photo really caught my eye. Very unique.

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  42. Bargain Decorating with LaurieOctober 19, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    OOO, all of these velvet pumpkins are styled beautifully, Sarah. I love the way you've created a Fall look by just adding a couple to a plant, a bowl, or the inside of a cabinet. You have some gorgeous velvet pumpkins. What a pretty table from the Nashville Antique Show.

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  43. SoniaOctober 19, 2015 at 9:30 PM

    Wow! So many gorgeous velvet pumpkins...hard to decide what photo I like the best...all so pretty! Happy Fall Sarah!

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  44. Lady of the ManorOctober 19, 2015 at 9:46 PM

    Velvet pumpkins are SO pretty!!!

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  45. Pinky at Designs by PinkyOctober 19, 2015 at 10:07 PM

    First of all I am in LOVE with your bamboo cabinet!!! Oh how I wish I had one! Love all your velvet pumpkins and how you display them too. I started collecting leopard pumpkins so would love a velvet one! They are all so pretty!!!!

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  46. AnnesphamilyOctober 19, 2015 at 10:09 PM

    I wish I were crafty! I saw these velvet pumpkins selling for nearly two hundred dollars! Yikes too rich for this girl but they are gorgeous. I love the different ideas you share. Thank you.

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  47. thepaintedapron.comOctober 20, 2015 at 8:31 AM

    I am a firm believer in the more pumpkins the merrier Sarah!! I am a pumpkin-aholic! I am swooning over your velvet pretties, and loving all your decor ideas~ I'm off to visit your pumpkin Pinterest board~
    Jenna

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  48. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasOctober 20, 2015 at 1:36 PM

    Sarah!! Goodness!! What a beautiful post about these stunning pumpkins!! I so love the elegance of velvet pumpkins and a have a few myself. Now maybe I missed it but did you make these yourself and if so, did you do a tutorial on it?????? I am off to check your Pinterest board on them!!! Thanks so much for sharing!! LOVED this!!

    Hugs,.
    Deb

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  49. My name is RietOctober 20, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    What a wonderful idea to use velvet pumpkins, they all look so lovely in their different surroundings.

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  50. My name is RietOctober 20, 2015 at 2:23 PM

    What a wonderful idea to use velvet pumpkins, they all look so lovely in their different surroundings.

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  51. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowOctober 20, 2015 at 6:10 PM

    You have an amazing and beautiful array here! :)

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  52. designchicOctober 20, 2015 at 9:02 PM

    Yours look so pretty, Sarah and I loved where you used them all. Must say that your bamboo cabinet is a favorite...gorgeous!!

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  53. At Rivercrest CottageOctober 20, 2015 at 9:32 PM

    I love them all, they are so pretty and soft.

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  54. AnonymousOctober 20, 2015 at 10:26 PM

    powerful velvet pumpkins,
    your collection is very entertaining.

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  55. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiOctober 20, 2015 at 11:11 PM

    Your velvet pumpkins are very versatile, Sarah! I like them all gathered in the large bowl.

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  56. Jeannie MarieOctober 21, 2015 at 7:23 AM

    The velvet looks so soft and make the pumpkins look so inviting! I'll be looking for some!

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  57. Gillena CoxOctober 21, 2015 at 7:30 AM

    gosh your velvet pumpkins are awesome


    much love...

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  58. The Charm of HomeOctober 21, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    They are perfection! Love the print ones! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!

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  59. Karen (Back Road Journal)October 21, 2015 at 3:03 PM

    I'm so happy to have discovered your beautiful blog. Your home looks absolutely lovely decorated with the velvet pumpkins.

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  60. KathyOctober 21, 2015 at 3:51 PM

    I am with you, Sarah, these velvet pumpkins are awesome! I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  61. Carole WestOctober 22, 2015 at 7:26 AM

    I love those velvet pumpkins, such a beautiful material. Thanks for sharing!

    Carole @ Garden Up Green

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  62. JulieOctober 22, 2015 at 7:55 AM

    I really like your mantel display. The velvet pumpkins are so pretty :)

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  63. Pura VidaOctober 23, 2015 at 2:19 AM

    I became a fanatic this year and am hand stiching them myself. Love them

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  64. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinOctober 25, 2015 at 9:44 PM

    Sarah, I love all of your velvet pumpkins! And, I adore that bamboo cabinet! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the fan favorites at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Here is the link so you can check out your feature! http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/10/the-sunday-showcase-from-make-it-pretty_25.html Have a lovely week ahead! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.

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