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A bounty of fall decor is ready to harvest! Create or purchase pumpkins painted in ocean-inspired colors.
The change of seasons is always a transition challenge. Many people are ready to chuck the heat and humidity of summer and welcome the change fall weather brings.
In New England the foliage is beginning to turn. For some reason this year there’s an abundance of acorns falling in the driveway. Walking up the driveway, I covered my head from getting beaned! The dog out runs them and then barks up at the trees.
It wasn’t the best weather for my vegetable garden…got a decent amount of tomatoes, but the pumpkins…nah…the bunnies had a hey-day early in the season and the poor things didn’t stand a chance.
So…I’m using foam pumpkins, and for my next project, a real one…from the farm stand.
Painted pumpkins: Faux vs real?
At first faux pumpkins seem more expensive that the real deal, but you’ll have them to decorate your home for a few years.
Real ones have the advantage of making them into luminarias by hollowing out the innards, then carving or drilling holes into the pumpkin outer skin.
Bonus of using real pumpkins? Roasted pumpkin seeds and flesh to use for cooking and baking. But the downside to using real pumpkins for decoration is their limited life span.
It’s your choice of course.
In an afternoon you can paint and embellish faux or real pumpkins or gourds to create a lovely coastal style tablescape, decorate a mantel, or welcome guests at the front door.
Easy peasy ideas from Coastal Living Magazine
Add nautical flair to your Halloween by painting pumpkins with coastal colors and designs. Get the Stencils and see how-to video at Coastal Living.
Here are a few Nautical Icons (Lighthouse, Ship’s Wheel, Starfish) that you can print and trace, and a Sand Dollar.
These ideas from Sand & Sisal are beyond beautiful!
Kim of Sand and Sisal brings a bit of the beach inside this autumn with some cool Coastal Pumpkins.
Custom designs and colors from Etsy artists
Blue Coastal Pumpkins from GoCoastalStudio
This artist will create custom colors and designs too.
Small Coastal Painted Pumpkins from LemondaisyDesign
Turquoise backgrounds and ocean creatures with a touch of gold embellishments look like gifts from the sea.
Coastal Beach Seahorse Pumpkin from SandisShellscapes
A whimsical and just plain happy painted pumpkin. Large cream colored faux pumpkin with an orange and coral colored seahorse surrounded by fish, coral, starfish, bubbles and seaweed.
The husband and wife team at Living Porpoisefully had some fun with a layered nautical stencil.
Simply elegant! Cream colored pumpkins are fun and simple to make. Use layered coastal decor stencils and acrylic paint to get the dimensional look.
This Mom (rightfully) brags about her daughter’s artful creation.
From Ramblings of a Southern Girl, pink flamingos and glittered gold stem on a pink pumpkin are dressed up for a day at the beach!
Non-traditional pumpkin sparkles!
This pumpkin idea from Crafts by Courtney sparkles, even without the iconic blue box!
Also check out her MOD PODGE PUMPKIN CRAFTS. Use scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, or even guest napkins to create pumpkin ideas. A perfect coastal decor item no matter the season.
RECYCLED FOAM PUMPKINS
Use what you have if it works!
For my painted pumpkins I reused small foam gourds that I’ve had for a few years. Our last dog chewed some to bits but the survivors got a new life this year. Love recycling stuff! (P.S. Notice the bite marks on the blue gourd!)
I went super simple by painting any high areas, nubs and crevices with gray acrylic paint. Then using chalk paint I painted some white and some in shades of pastel greens and blue that match my home decor style.
Lastly, I hot-glued twine and dried hay to the stems.
MATERIAL SUGGESTIONS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE PAINTED PUMPKINS
- Nautical Layered Stencils Also try color book pages or trace ideas you love)
- Faux Pumpkins, Real Pumpkins, Gourds — any shape or size you desire
- Graphite Paper, for transferring images (if not using pre-cut stencils)
- Acrylic Paint (in your preferred colors) Try Metallic ones too!
- Spray paint is an option for complete coverage.
- DecoArt Chalky Paint (for a “chalky” finish)
- ModPodge (for textured designs that use sand, foil, glitter, etc.)
- Foam pouncer (for stenciling)
- Paper plates, Paper Towels, Cheapo sponge brushes, Water, Craft paint brushes (nothing fancy), marker
- Additional embellishments. For example: to wrap the pumpkin stem use moss, roping, twine, ribbon, etc.
These are basic craft items you’ll want to have before starting to paint your pumpkins.
THE ULTIMATE DIYer TOOLKIT Check List
Be sure your toolbox always has exactly what you need for any project! These checklists are perfect for Home Decor Crafters & Makers.
SHOP Pumpkin Decor
White Rustic Metal Painted Pumpkin
Whichever painted pumpkin DIY suggestion you make, or choose to purchase one you love, you’ll get in the autumn spirit before all the leaves fall!
THE ULTIMATE DIYer TOOLKIT Check List
Be sure your toolbox always has exactly what you need for any project! These checklists are perfect for Home Decor Crafters & Makers.
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Thank you for sharing the coastal love:
