How To Transform Foam Pumpkins Into Pretty Fall Decor

by Michelle James

6 Materials

$1.50

5 Hours

Easy

Learn how to transform those hideous bright, orange foam pumpkins into pretty fall decor that will fit look perfect in your house.

how to transform foam pumpkins into pretty fall decor, home decor, how to, painting

Hi. I found the most horrible pumpkins at the thrift store last year for .50 each. I probably paid too much. LOL! But I knew that I could make them into something nice.

This is what they looked like to begin with! Gross, right? They are so bright...almost neon.

The first thing I did was to paint them with a brown latex paint. I did this for two reasons.

1. I thought I would be spraying them in different colors and spray paint does not mix with this foam stuff these are made of.

2. I wanted to be able to distress and reveal some of the brown underneath.

None of these things happened. But this is what they looked like after the brown paint.

I decided to go the chalk paint route. These are my "go to" colors. Especially the blue/gray called Vintage. You can see my printable designs and frames that I painted with this color but I have used it on many projects.

Along with the Vintage I used the Everlasting (white) and the New Life (green). I left the stems brown.

Then I used a technique I learned way back during my toll painting lessons I took in the 90's. It is funny how things stick with you right?

Anyway, I try to explain in more detail on the blog but I used Burnt Umber Acrylic paint, water and a smaller, flat brush to add the the brown, shaded areas on the pumpkins.

After that was completely dry I brushed on the Creme Wax and let that dry. Then they were done!

What do you think?

I hope you like them and will stop over and check out my blog. If you happened to click on the link above and you like free printables you may want to sign up for my email/newsletter.

You will receive a fun, printable to create a nice gift for a friend.

Thanks so much!

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Foam Pumpkins (Thrift Store)
Chalky Finish Paint (Hobby Lobby - I already had)
Acrylic Paint - Burnt Umber (Hobby Lobby - I already had)
Flat Brush (Hobby Lobby - I already had)
Brown latex paint (Anywhere you buy paint - I already had)
Creme Wax (Hobby Lobby - I already had)

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 5 questions

Lwm11604857 on Sep 22, 2016
What is the "wax" product that you use at the end?

1
Nana on Sep 23, 2016
is chalk paint rainproof?

1
Diamond Lil on Oct 29, 2016
Awesome job. Looks like ceramic. Is the wax what makes them matte??

0

Unapproved!
Wendy Hufford on Nov 19, 2016
Can yoy do this to glass pumpkins, didn't know what to put on them. I love your idea pretty cool.

1

Comments

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3 of 41 comments

Patricia on Sep 23, 2016
These are gorgeous! Thanks for posting.

1 Reply
Lwm11604857 on Sep 23, 2016
Thank you. I want to try the pumpkins and I will look for this product.

1 Reply
- Michelle James on Sep 23, 2016
  Good luck. I hope you find it.
  
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