Velvet Pumpkins

So luscious and plump!  The first time I saw them, I had to have.

So I purchased one from Rachel Ashwell's 

Shabby Chic Couture website.

There were three sizes, all for sale at 75% off 

with free shipping!

Well, naturally.....

So I chose this beauty.  

Superb quality! It seems to be stuffed with sand.

And, oh, that stem!

Well, one was not enough, but I couldn't afford to buy many,

and most that I found for sale just weren't the colors I wanted.

So I searched online for a "how-to" and happily found 

great instructions at a delightful blog, "Nest of Posies."

http://www.nestofposies-blog.com/2011/10/how-to-make-plush-velvet-pumpkins.html

Pumpkin stems are very hard to find, 

but I managed to find some short ones. 

M pumpkins are stuffed 

with fiberfill and dry beans (for weight).

I splurged on gorgeous silk velvet,  

which can be purchased as fat quarters or by the 1/2 yard at:  

http://www.etsy.com/shop/silkexpert?section_id=10724529

 These lovelies stay out all year round!