As the days grow shorter and the air turns cool, a chain of pods, once rooted in the earth, takes on a new life as a whimsical garland.

With a whisper of white paint and a flash of orange, these pods transform into a procession of tiny spirits and grinning harvest faces.

It’s a silent, rustic welcome, a line of garden ghosts and pumpkins ready to greet the season.

This garland is a beautiful way to honor the transition from a lush green summer to the enchanting mood of fall.

Materials Needed

• 10-15 dried okra pods (or as many as you need)
• White and orange craft paint
• Black paint pen or fine-tipped marker
• Twine or strong cord
• A long, sturdy needle or awl
• Scissors
• Optional: Clear craft sealant or Mod Podge

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Begin by collecting your dried okra pods. Choose pods that are straight and have a good, solid feel. Then lightly brush them off to ensure they're clean and dry.

Step 2: Divide your pods into two groups. Paint one group a solid white for the ghosts and the other a bright orange for the pumpkins.

You'll likely need to apply a second coat to get a bold, even color. Let them dry completely.

Step 3: Once the paint is fully dry, it’s time to add the spooky faces. Use your black paint pen or marker to draw simple faces on each pod.

For the ghosts, keep it classic with two oval eyes and a round mouth.

For the pumpkins, draw triangle eyes and a jagged smile. You give each one a slightly different expression to add personality.

Step 4: To string your garland, you'll need to create a hole in each pod.

Carefully use a long, sturdy needle or an awl to pierce a hole through the stem end of each pod. This is a crucial step, so go slowly and be careful.

Step 5: Thread your twine or cord through the hole of each pod.

You can alternate the ghosts and pumpkins, or create your own pattern. Once all the pods are on, tie a knot at each end of the twine to prevent them from slipping off.

Step 6: Your garland is ready to hang! You can hang it from a mantel, across a window, or as a festive welcome on your door.

If you want to protect your garland for next year, a light coat of craft sealant will do the trick.

Tips:

I found that using a variety of pod sizes made the garland feel even more dynamic, like a family of ghosts and pumpkins.

The simple, expressive faces are what give this project so much charm, so don't feel like you need to be an expert artist.