Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Pumpkins & Paint

I normally don’t do a ton of fall decorating around the house, but there is one thing that I usually have to have - pumpkins! So when I saw that Aldi had large pumpkins on sale for $2.49 each, I had to take advantage of this bargain. With my barren front porch in mind, I picked out three pumpkins.

But this year, I wasn’t just going to plop the pumpkins on the steps like years past. No, this year I had other plans.


My fondness for all things paint has grown throughout the past year, and these unassuming pumpkins would soon find themselves face-to-face with a spray paint nozzle.

Pumpkin, meet White Spray Paint:


You might have guessed by this incredibly generic-looking can that I picked up the cheapo 97 cent off-brand at Home Depot. I figured it would be a good time to try it out since this project would only be on display for the next few weeks.

Well, suffice it to say, there’s a reason it only costs 97 cents. The spray was so broad and fine that it took about 4 coats (much closer than the recommended 10-14 inches) to get all the orange covered. (I also used ScotchBlue painter’s tape to cover up the stem.)

In between coats, I also painted my second pumpkin. For this one, I chose to show some school pride with the color of my alma mater (go K-State!).

Pumpkin, meet Purple Spray Paint:


Painting with the RustOleum Painters Touch was a dream compared to the cheapo brand. It was a much more concentrated spray and only took two coats. Lesson learned, it's worth the $3.77.

Back to the white pumpkin… I had originally thought of painting big black dots on it, but then I decided to try something a little more challenging and “artistic.” Maybe along the lines of what Sarah at Hennessey House might do, but obviously not as intricate or impressive (have you seen that girl's artwork?!).


I had bought a sample of black paint at Home Depot, so I got a little paint brush and started painting… and painting… and painting. About two hours later (including a couple breaks), I had this:



Overall, it didn’t turn out too bad. My swirly vines could have used another coat to make them more solid, but at that point I had already invested enough time in them. Plus, you can’t really tell that they’re a little streaky unless you get up close.

Just for tradition's sake, I decided to keep the final pumpkin orange. (Okay, maybe it was also because it was late and I was tired of painting.)

And here are the finished pumpkins on our front porch:




So tell me, what are you doing with your pumpkins this year? Carving? Glittering? Painting? Nothing?





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10 comments:

Unknown said...

Good deal on your pumpkins!! I keep hearing that the prices have soured this year on them! We haven't decorated for Halloween yet, so hopefully this weekend we will, I always love white pumpkins. Yours look so cute

Kat Bennett said...

Those are large pumpkins for that price! Nice work! Mine don't manage to stay whole long enough to decorate them. Them end up in breads and anything left goes in the freezer to add to winter soups. I've also made pumpkin chips using a dehydrator- all natural, no salt. And they can also be added to soups! Someday I'll get brave and paint one, but not this year. I'm painting beads to look like pumpkins!
Happy Harvest to you and Happy Painting!

nicolette {momnivores dilemma} said...

I love the design on your white pumpkin...and for under $4? A steal. I think I need to head to Aldi's tomorrow...

:)


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Anonymous said...

I love the swirly pumpkin! We haven't picked up any pumpkins yet - usually I just love the orange accents, but I might have to take some paint to them this year.

Sara @ Russet Street Reno said...

CUUUUUTE!!!! I love those. I don't decorate that much for fall, like, at all. wah wah

Chelsea @ two twenty one said...

They look awesome! I love the white and black pumpkin. Great prices! I think a trip to Aldi's is in my future.

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

Cute! I did one pumpkin in a painting project, which I still have to share later this week. But, otherwise, they are au natural. ;)

Love your black and white pumpkin. Super cute!

Tiling Tips said...

Wow! Amazing painting I like this so much there is no more word for this. Really so amazing.It is very helpful and motivational as well. It’s really informative the content and image of your blog.

Oona Johnson said...

They turned out so fun! I love the black and white one - super-cute. I didn't even buy pumpkins this year... Maybe next year.

cheap viagra said...

woow that is so simple but rather cool, and you and your children can have so much fun, I will do it next year on Halloween!

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