pretty painted pumpkins tutorial

Living in Southern California it is a challenge for me to get into the spirit of traditional fall decor. Though it is raining today, typically this time of year is beautiful- like hang out at the beach beautiful! So when it comes to October/Halloween decor I like to create things that actually feel more summery and will go with the airy cottage feel of our home. I decided that this year I would create pretty little pumpkins in pastel colors full of detail and design.

I started with a a few pumpkins in different shapes and sizes.

I painted the pumpkins with white acrylic paint

and let dry.

I then added another coat of paint in very light pastel colors.

FYI- One of my FAVORITE supplies these days is Tulip's dimensional paint. It can be used for a variety of projects and the tiny applicator tips are perfect for adding small details and pattern to all kinds of projects.

Using the dimensional paint, I began to freehand simple designs around the surface of the pumpkin.

I added contrast by scratching into the surface with a toothpick.

I added more and more details, around and around the pumpkin

until the entire surface was filled.

I added dimensional designs to a white pumpkin that I decided not to paint.

And added contrast with a darker color of dimensional paint.

I filled every surface of all the pumpkins- even the tiny ones got little polk dots :)

Now I have a variety of pretty painted pumpkins to use in my "california style" fall decorating.