So basically, I’m never carving another pumpkin again.
Easiest pumpkin D.I.Y. ever…in just 2 steps…
I’ve been seeing a lot of “no carve” painted pumpkins around, and really wanted to give it a shot, using my fall look as inspiration. So my daughter and I ventured to Michael’s yesterday without really knowing what we’d find. I already had black acrylic paint, and opted for Martha Stewart craft paints – chalkboard (gray), satin (ballerina pink and chipotle), and metallic (rose gold) to experiment with the different finishes. But we really lucked out with all the fun stickers they had!
The chalkboard paint I think worked best — it’s flat with thicker coverage. I was bummed Michael’s didn’t have black, but this warm gray is quite nice! Leighton had fun painting hers pink (I applied the second coat to even it out). For all of them, it did take two coats so you do need to give yourself plenty of time to paint, let dry, paint, let dry.
Next was the fun part — applying the gems! Always start from the middle of your design and work your way around and out, to ensure you have even coverage until you run out of stickers. ;o)
For the jeweled one, I knew I wanted the arrangement to be randomly clustered at top, with more spacing as you go down to give that “dripping” effect. It was a good one to start with as I didn’t need to worry about being too precise.
For the studded version, I wanted it to be more of a geometric pattern, so it took a little more planning. I based it on the number of studs I had (12-18 each of 4 types), starting with six evenly around the stem, and alternating out and down from there.
Because Leighton really really wanted a pink pumpkin, I had to get creative on how to make it more Halloween-y. To form the web, I started around the center “L” with 8 gems, and created longer strands from those spokes, adding in a few gems between to “connect” the strands. (She also had her own pumpkin that she proudly decorated with hot pink gems, of course!)
Kid and adult-friendly project, little mess, and some pretty at the end of it all that perfectly matches my fall palette! Success!
Anna Weaver says
Love this! Totally trying the studded one :)
Becca | Lowlife Couture says
These are too cute! Thanks for the inspiration.
Liz {Sequins and Stripes} says
I was drooling over your instagrams yesterday, such a fun Sunday project!
Naomi (Design Manifest) says
You are ridiculously chic. I need to do this for my cottage. (Even though I don’t live there yet and wont be in by Halloween. Sad.)
Albertina || Mimosa Lane says
These are sooooooooo beautiful!! And I love how easy they are!!! Chic and easy my favorite combination :)
lily says
These are seriously the most amazing pumpkins EVER! I am in love!!
xxLily
goldandgray.com
Ana says
Absolutely gorgeous and so elegant!!!! Happy Halloween! Xo
Kelly says
They look AMAZING! I’m all about the no carve pumpkins. So fun!
Tobe | Because It's Awesome says
i wanna do it!! (and i never say that about diys)
Marta from 2nd Funniest Thing says
Wow! Love your glamorous version for halloween, I’ll try to make something symilar :)
Big kisses from Barcelona
DIY & unique pieces
Jacquelyn | lark&linen says
Such a fun project. Is it a problem that I want kids specifically so we can do arts and crafts?
Gaby [The Vault Files] says
Gorgeous, love them!
Alexa says
I will be the first to admit that I overuse the word “Rad.” but here I believe it is completely justified! ;) These are totally rad Erika!
Bettina says
Love these! My friends and I painted some last weekend, but were limited to my friends paint collection. I think I’m going to head out and get some chicer looking paint and try this version of sparkle with some smaller pumpkins!
Preciously Me says
Beautiful! Didn’t know that even pumpkins could be so “in”!
I really love these fashion pumpkins & my fave is the first one “Jewel Dripped” ?
sharon|house58blog.com says
I love the gold studded! What a fantastic project!
designstiles says
So cool, Erika. The jeweled one is so pretty. I love the trickling down effect. So cute that Leighton wanted a pink pumpkin. This is way better than carving because carved pumpkins get moldy within a few days. Oh, and your photos are so professional!
Comfy Cozy Couture says
Absolutely adorable pumpkins…I think the gold studded is my favorite!! I’ve really wanted to paint the pumpkins on our porch, maybe I will finally get around to it!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures says
Love X a million!
Brynn {chartreuse & a twist} says
okay, i think you win the coolest pumpkin diy award!!! these are just way awesome! totally in love :) XO Brynn
LWP says
These are incredible! I may have to copy exactly :)
Carly | A Simple Affair says
Absolutely gorgeous! What a fun project!
Haus and Home says
These are definitely stylish pumpkins! Love them! Great job,
Lauren says
these are amazing!!!!
Eleanor says
This is ridiculous. I love it!
Sarah {Lacquer and Linen} says
These turned out awesome!! I love how you added the studs too! Super cute! Thanks for featuring my pumpkins over on A Newfound Treasure :-)
Lisa says
Oooh! These are lovely. Just the inspiration I was looking for. I know what my daughters and I will be doing this weekend. Thanks!
Kaitlyn says
LOVE THIS! One question though….what is the brand name or rather the name of the product you used for the “Crystal Jewel Dripped Pumpkin”? Are they Swarovski?
Tamra {ever swoon} says
So much better than carving!!! Fabulous idea Erika!
Jodi says
These are absolutely adorable, and I featured them on my no-carve pumpkin round up today with a link back to your tutorial.