Ok ok, I know you’re not dummies… but I am going to make this as simple as possible for my readers. Interested… keep reading!

Fall is my FAVORITE time of the year. I love when the leaves turn and start falling. I love cooler weather. I love the colors orange and mustard and brown. I love pumpkin EVERYTHING (go here to find some of my go-to fall recipes). And when it comes to decorating for fall (or Halloween), you have tons of options. Scary, cute, rustic, classic… the list goes on!

**Above pics found on Pinterest

Today I’m going to talk to you about decorating with pumpkins. More specifically…

PAINTED pumpkins. 

I’m going to be using those foam pumpkins you buy at your local craft store or big box retailer (but you CAN use real pumpkins if you prefer). The beauty of those craft pumpkins is that they will potentially last forever; whereas a real pumpkin will only last one season. If you prefer real, go ahead and use real (the technique will be the same). You do you!

Craft pumpkins come in 3 main colors (sometimes more, depending on where you buy them): black, off white and orange and they also come in multiple sizes. I bought these at Michael’s and they have all 3 colors in 3 different sizes: small (6.5”), medium (9”), and large (13”).

I already know how I want to decorate my pumpkins, but if you’re unsure - go to Pinterest and scroll around… there are HUNDREDS of ideas. Don’t believe me? Click the video below … that’s just a TINY smidge of what you’ll find. LOVE pinterest.

1.

I start by LIGHTLY sketching my design (with a DULL pencil). FYI: these are made of foam, so if you bear down AT ALL or if your pencil is sharp, you will create a groove in the surface of the pumpkin. This goes for foam AND real pumpkins. A real pumpkin WILL BRUISE if you groove the surface and it will start to break down early.

**When using a foam pumpkin, make sure you turn the seam to the back - unless that line is supposed to be part of your design. They all have some sort of seam or mark on them and it can completely mess up a design if you don’t plan ahead. Not that I would know or anything… I ALWAYS plan ahead and NEVER jump into a craft without making sure everything is in order first… 😬

2. 

Next you are going to start painting. Depending on what kind of design it is, I might use a thin paintbrush and craft paint or I might use paint pens. I have a pretty steady hand when I use a paintbrush, but if you don’t (or if you’re not practiced at using a brush) just use a paint pen. I like paint pens for smaller designs (you will have more control) and also for designs with tons of detail and color (like sugar skulls). 

**One thing is for certain - MAKE SURE you are using acrylic (craft) paint and NOT OIL PAINT. Oil is sticky and stinky and takes MUCH LONGER to dry. Acrylic dries super fast and wipes off pretty easily (unless you let it dry too much - then it won’t come off).

3.

Let your layers dry completely between coats (maybe 30 minutes to an hour). Black paint is usually pretty opaque, but if you’re painting on a darker pumpkin with a lighter color (white, pale pink, yellow, etc.), you’re probably going to need at least 2 coats. After your paint is dry, you can add glitter paint or metallic paint for some extra fun detail. You can even paint the pumpkin stem if you want. 

4.

After you’re done with the design and are happy with it, let it dry for at least 12 hours. This  step technically isn’t necessary, but I like for my paint to be 100% DRY DRY DRY before I seal it. To be safe, I usually leave it overnight and then move on to the next step the next morning. 

5.

The last step is to seal your pumpkin. Give the whole pumpkin a few coats of clear sealant spray. I like using Krylon spray… it’s not too expensive. AND they have tons of options, but I have these 2:  glossy and matte. If you don’t use a sealant, your design won’t technically go anywhere, but it’s not going to be AS PROTECTED as if you have a clear coat over the top (the paint might crack as it ages). If you’re planning on putting your pumpkin outside, it ABSOLUTELY needs to be coated with an all-weather sealant.  Follow the instructions on your spray, but I usually try to leave 30 minutes to an hour between coats. 

6.

Display your lovely pumpkin and use it for years to come! 

Want more fun tutorials like this? Click below for more DIY projects.

Is there something specific you want me to do a tutorial on? Drop me a comment below. I’m ALWAYS game for new ideas!