Painted Pumpkins & Glittery Gourds

 Most years the extent of my Halloween decorating is two big jack-o-lanterns that my husband and I carve and set outside so that trick-or-treaters know we’re open for business.  This year, I was feeling crafty.  I also am participating in a desk decorating contest (with a cash prize!) at work and things can get pretty competitive around my office so I’m bringing my A game.  Turns out this was actually a super easy and fun project and in one afternoon I made enough pumpkins to decorate around the house as well.  I started with around 10 pumpkins and gourds (courtesy of our very own vegetable garden and a trip to our local market).   You’ll also need fine crafting glitter, multi-surface spray adhesive, spray paints (and I suggest primer) and acrylic paints and brushes if you plan to paint designs like I did. 

I started by clearing out my garage and laying down a big old tarp that I was ok with getting paint and glue all over.  I painted all the pumpkins first with spray primer and paint, let them dry, then hand painted designs in contrasting acrylics.   I used gold, black and bronze spray paint and contrasting white, black and silver designs.  For the glitter pumpkins I applied spray adhesive then sprinkled two shades of gold glitter to completely cover the pumpkin’s surface. 

A few minutes to dry and voila! I think they came out really neat;  my favorite is the bright gold pumpkin with the silver polka-dots.   With the solid black one I plan to carve a jack-o-lantern and we saved a couple big ones for carving also so don’t you worry, the neighborhood kiddos will still know we’ve got candy!   I also love how many of these can be used for decor throughout the autumn season too, not just for Halloween.  I’m already picturing my Thanksgiving centerpiece!