As the gardening season winds down, there’s always so much to do! Trying to beat the first frost is critical… getting all the produce harvested before Mother Nature says enough is a mad dash. Not only are there veggies to pick and process, but herbs to harvest. And you also need time to gather in your seeds for next year.

I’ve been working overtime to grab the seeds that are ripening up. You’ll find most surfaces in my home covered with drying seeds I harvested from flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

Many of my plants are prolific suppliers of seeds. But you can only use so many seeds from year to year. So what can you do with all those extra saved seeds? Give them away, of course.

READ… How to Save Flower Seeds From Your Garden

Each year, I give away little packets of seeds to anyone who wants some of my excess. But I wanted to do something a little different this year. So I came up with this fun craft idea!

For some time I’ve had the idea to create Push-Up Seed Packets. Do you remember Push-Ups as a child? Those delicious ice cream-on-a-stick treats we got from the Ice Cream Man driving up and down the road during the summer months.

Well, I took a break from harvesting and processing for some autumn craft time. I created table decorations and place holders for my autumn and holiday table. I thought I would share my Push-Up Seed Packet idea with you in case you have an overabundance of seeds as well.

TIP: If you don’t have seeds to share, you can still use these seed packets to decorate and give away. Just purchase some of your favorite seeds and repackage them into smaller packages to give away.

Put on some fun music, grab a beverage and gather your supplies. Let’s get creative and create some cute ways to share your seeds and decorate your table.

Steps to Create Push-Up Seed Packets

Step 1:

Measure the length and diameter of your toilet paper rolls. Add one inch to each measurement. The measurement I used was 5 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches. Cut this size rectangle out of your decorative craft paper. You will use this to cover the outside of your toilet paper roll. For the easiest rolling, use thin decorative paper. Heavy card stock does not work as well.

Step 2:

Lay your craft paper flat on table, decorative side down. Place toilet paper roll on the shorter edge of your paper. Roll the paper around the outside of toilet paper roll. Place a rubber band on both ends of the roll to hold paper in place. This shapes the paper and makes the gluing process easier. Allow to form for 30 minutes or longer.

Step 3:

Unroll paper and spread craft glue on the backside. Now re-roll the toilet paper roll, leaving one-half inch overhang on each side. Smooth out any crinkles as you go. Replace the rubber bands. Spread glue on the inside of the overhanging edges of craft paper. Carefully fold the edges into the toilet paper roll. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Step 4:

Trace a circle that is one-half inch wider than the diameter of the toilet paper roll out of parchment or wax paper. I used the opening of a cup to measure my circle. Cut out your circle and trace the toilet paper roll in the center. Spread a layer of glue on your marked inner circle. Place the end of your decorated roll into the glue. While the glue is still wet, press down the edges of parchment to form a cover. Allow glue to dry completely.

Step 5:

Trace the end of your toilet paper roll onto medium weight cardboard and cut out two circles. Check that your circles fit into the toilet paper roll. You might need to trim them to fit. Punch a small hole in the center of one cardboard circle.

Place a candy stick into the hole, leaving one-inch overhang on one side. Glue the stick into place using a hot glue gun. Secure by gluing on both sides of the cardboard. Be sure that your stick is perpendicular to the cardboard. Hot glue your second piece of cardboard onto the same end of the candy stick. Let dry. This forms your pusher.

Step 6:

To assemble your Push-Up Seed Packets, place your seeds in a small glassine bag, sandwich baggie or homemade seed packet. You don’t want to put the seeds directly into your push-up, as they would fly everywhere when the push-up was opened.

If you don’t have seeds of your own, you can use purchased seeds as well. Tuck the seed packet into the open end of your tube. Be sure to include planting instructions for your seeds. Place the pusher in the tube. Position it so that the second cardboard circle is at the bottom edge.

Ways to Use Your Push-Up Seed Packets

Here are a few handy ways to use your Push-Up Seed Packets…

• Glue or tie on a name tag to use as a placeholder for your holiday table.
• When filling with your seeds, tuck in tissue paper curls as an extra “pop” for your Push-Ups.
• Turn your push-ups into flowers and create a table centerpiece (See directions below).
• Use your push-ups as a gift package tie on.
• Tuck one into a gift basket. Use with similar foods. For example, if you give a loaf of pumpkin bread, give push-ups with pumpkin seeds.

How to Create a Holiday Centerpiece

Start with a piece of craft paper in a complementary color. Trace the diameter of the toilet paper roll opening onto the backside of your paper. On the outside of this circle, draw a floral shape such as the petals of a daisy. Cut out the daisy shape, then carefully cut out the center circle. Push onto the parchment end of the Push-Up. This is your “flower”.

You can also make tissue paper flowers by cutting multiple layers of circles about 1 1/2 inches larger than the opening of your toilet paper roll. Cut holes in center of the tissue paper. Stack the layers and place on top of the Push-Up Seed Packet. Cut thin strips around the circle being careful to not cut through the top edge. Fluff the tissue petals. Create 8-10 “flowers” in a variety of shapes and colors.

Insert the stick ends into floral foam taped into a shallow vessel. Arrange your bouquet as you tuck in multiple flowers. Cover the floral foam with moss and seasonal items such as acorns. Place your arrangement on the table as your centerpiece. No water needed.

Take a break from the busyness of the harvest season to craft yourself some Push-Up Seed Packets. Use these to create a lovely centerpiece and name place holders to decorate your autumn table. Whether you harvested your own seeds or purchased seeds, these make a great giveaway to friends and family.

I’m making a bundle of these Push-Up Seed Packets. My hope is that I can reclaim all of my seed-covered surfaces as quickly as possible. Happy crafting!