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Vases from Butternut Squash

Autumn vases created from butternut squash

If you haven’t read Monday’s post this is going to seem like a rather odd tutorial. I have a few of those from time to time. But I’ll shall forge ahead showing you one of my favorite ways to use vegetables and fruit: As decorative containers.

Autumn vases created from butternut squash
See? This does look cooler than the title implies.

Supplies (not shown because… well you read the list)

Butternut Squash (or similar gourd-like vegetable)

Knife

Long Handled Spoon

Floral Foam/Oasis or Test Tube

Step 1: Get an adult who can actually use a knife properly

DIY squash containers step 1, cutting the lid

‘Knife Skills’ are not my specialty but I found using a sharp steak knife to saw at the squash allowed for a straighter, cleaner cut that could be completed while the squash was standing upright. This is important because no squash sits perfectly level. You have to actually sit them on a flat surface then cut parallel to the surface of you want a nice flat vase-like top.

Step 2: Scoops Away!

DIY Autumn vase from butternut squash, step 2 hollowing it out.
So much less yuck than cleaning out pumpkins!

 

Use the same knife to begin hollowing out the squash. Follow up with a long handled spoon to get way down in the neck.

Step 3: Hold your Water

Butternut Vases Step 3: Options to hold water

Depending on how long you want to keep your arrangements you can use one of the two methods. The first way I insert a vial to hold water. You can get them in floral supply sections, however, I use leftover plastic ones from my husbands home-brewing hobby. They started their life holding yeast cultures. This method works well for longer periods. The squash can dry a bit and that keeps it from molding and deteriorating as fast.

The second method just jams pre-soaked floral foam into the vase. I have found the butternut squash will hold the wet foam without leaking. However, because the squash is constantly in contact with moisture it will mold much quicker. This method is a great option if you want them for a dinner party or just for a couple of days. And much easier since you won’t have to hollow out the squash as far to accommodate the vial.

So am I crazy? Or does anyone else use fruits and vegetables in decorating? If you do I’d love to hear in the comments below.

15 thoughts on “Vases from Butternut Squash

  1. This is the best Thanksgiving day center piece. How did you think of such a great thing.

  2. […] it out and use it as a vase. (If it’s a pumpkin you can save the seeds and roast them.) Voila, centerpiece for the grownup […]

  3. Hi Brianna
    I love-love-love your blog. It’s refreshing, clean and full of creative inspiration. Why haven’t I seen it before now? Well, I see I have a lot of posts to catch up on, so without further ado, I’m linking,following and grabbing more coffee! :) Hope you’;; come over for a fresh cup and visit me at http://altered-artworks.blogspot.com
    Doreen

    1. Thank you so much! Besides some close friends and of course, my mother that is one of the best affirmations I have received. I can’t wait to check out your blog as well.

  4. This is such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing this project at The Pin Junkie Link Party. It was featured this week. I hope you’ll stop by to grab a featured button! http://www.thepinjunkie.com/2013/09/friday-link-party-33.html

    1. Wow! Thanks so much for the feature!

  5. I saw these vases featured and the Pin Junkie and i wanted to come over really near Ides! and tell you how cool i think they are!

    1. Thanks that is a huge compliment!

  6. What a great idea! Love it and it will make a great addition to the fall decor in my house. Easy too! Found you through the Pin Junkie link party and following you on Pinterest

    1. Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to check out your info as well.

  7. Great vase idea! I hate to admit this, but I don’t like to eat squash. I think I would rather use it to decorate like you did.

    1. Thanks, I like squash but it makes a great decoration too!

  8. Nice! Next time I have a squash on hand I’ll use it for a vase like this. Much better than eating it!

    1. I actually like butternut, but after you have eaten it roasted… soup… etc. You start to find other uses.

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