Fall brings out something in me that I can't explain. What is it about pumpkins? They're just a round fruit that tends to get stinky and mushy over time. The orange color is a recognizable hue for the pumpkin and as a result can be limiting to the home decorating palette. As a decorator I love to use these fruits along with its counter parts, gourds and squashes. Paired together they bring a symbolism of Fall while saying welcome all at the same time. Being a creative soul,  I'm never completely satisfied with one option for this iconic fruit. Recently I've ventured into painting with the well known, chalk paint. I know I must be the last creative painter, decorator out there to jump on this bandwagon when it has been around for years. I guess I just couldn't leave my latex paint for another medium. Have to admit I've been missing out on the fun. I decided to chalk paint almost all of my unwanted items that didn't match my colors. It started with this sign.

After opening my fall boxes I quickly noticed none of my Fall items matched my decor colors and I really can't go out to purchase new items. So you guessed it my pumpkins and it's Fall counter parts were next in line to be painted.

I got the chalk paint from Hobby Lobby. It's $8.99 so don't forget to use your 40% off in store coupon. I used white on the above sign.  For the pumpkins I picked up Lace and Colonial colors, DecorArt Americana Decor Chalky Acrylic Paint. 

When applying the paint there is no need to sand first. Just wipe off before if dirty. Next I used a regular paint brush but switched later on to a sponge brush. Found it didn't leave the brush marks like a paint brush did. You'll want to apply about 2-3 coats. Good news it dries in about 15 min. after application.  

For the bigger pumpkins I only used the Lace color. These pumpkins are the plastic kind that you find in the pick aisles for floral and craft projects. What's nice, these tend to price around $1.25 each after the sale price Hobby Lobby usually has. Score! 1 for the pocket book.

The smaller pumpkins are the ceramic kind, again these can be found for around $2 using the discounts at Hobby Lobby. I decided to do something different with those. Aged look was in mind.  First I painted it the Colonial blue color using a sponge brush, one coat was good. Next, go over it with the Lace or White. I used white for these. After it dries take fine sanding paper and sand it down until you see some of the orange pop through. This gives it a rustic look. I lightly sanded the whole pumpkin but in areas that I was looking for the orange to pop out I did a little heavier.

Now the fun part begins, decorating with them.  

I hope you enjoyed learning a new way to makeover your pumpkins. Let me know if you decide to try painting yours. 

Jacqueline~Welcoming Home