Here it is.
A stacked pumpkin. Finished.
Painted, patterned, textured, sealed… and celebrated.
It didn’t happen in an afternoon.
It took a whole month.
And that was the point.
One project. One month.
In What We Do Is Purposeful, each month has one activity. Just one.
Not because the projects are complicated.
Because people need time.
Time to choose.
Time to think.
Time to change their minds.
When we slow down, we make room for ideas to grow, and for the people we support to share them.
Slow isn’t behind.
Slow is purposeful.
How it came together
Week 1: Prep. Getting the plastic pumpkins ready to work on.
Week 2: Color and pattern. Choosing colors, painting, and decoupaging.
Week 3: Texture. Adding fall textures and details, each person’s choice.
Week 4: Assemble and celebrate. Putting the pieces together, securing, sealing… then displaying them proudly.
Small steps.
Each week building on the last.
What I saw at the group homes
I’ve done this project with the group homes I serve, and no two pumpkins ever looked alike.
Every one was unique.
Every one was individual.
Every one said something about the person who made it.
And the teamwork! Watching everyone work together was one of my favorite parts.
Spreading the project over a month gave each person more time to express their ideas and thoughts. And the staff? They didn’t feel rushed. Nobody had to hurry to “finish.” We could simply enjoy the making.
The oopses (because there are always oopses)
Too much Mod Podge.
Sticky fingers.
Pumpkins rolling right off the table.
And laughter. So many laughs.
Those moments aren’t mistakes to fix. They’re part of the making.
Make it work for everyone 💬
Full Support: Staff prep and steady the pumpkin. The person chooses colors and patterns by pointing, looking, or yes/no choices, and joins in at whatever level feels good.
Partial Support: Offer pre-cut paper pieces and wide brushes, and place the pumpkin on a non-slip mat (goodbye, rolling pumpkins!).
Independent: The person plans their own design, picks their embellishments, and assembles with minimal help.
Coming in November: Gratitude Journals
This month we’re slowing down again, this time with gratitude.
Each week, we’ll add to a journal: the people we’re grateful for, the small things that feel good, and ways to share thanks with others.
In the book, I focus on the gratitude moments along the way. On Facebook, I’ll show you how my journals came together, so you can see where those small steps lead.
Come follow along.
If you’d like a whole year of one-project-a-month ideas, you’ll find them in What We Do Is Purposeful: A Guide for Caregivers & Activity Professionals. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HCPN9KMY
Let’s keep creating.
Pam, Possibility Architect