Well, it's here ...the first day of FALL! So, I'll say to everyone "Happy Fall Y'all!" Because that's how it's often said down here in the south, ya know?! ;)
I've been thinking about Fall arriving, and making changes to my home decor that reflect Fall. Much as I want to hang on to summer, it's officially over now and I'll long for it until I celebrate its return next year! Still, I have been planning for Fall and my home's decor changes with a few projects.
Today is a perfect day to share this project, because what says "Fall" more than pumpkins? I got busy with my paint supplies and a cheap pumpkin I scored from the thrifty Antique Mall I visited a couple weeks ago.
I bought both of these pumpkins on that day. I loved the little bronze pumpkin at first glance, but the other one, the creamy white one, it looked very different from the way it appears here. But, I got it with full intentions of giving it a make-over and now it's all painted up with a new look. I think it's just perfect now and so pretty! My perfect, pretty, painted, pumpkin!
I use a lot of neutrals in my home decor so it's only natural that I love the white pumpkins and neutrals for fall. So, that is the direction I went for fall. Some of those faux pumpkins can be a bit pricey for the bigger sizes. But, after finding the pumpkin for next to nothing in cost, I wanted it even though it wasn't quite the look I was after since I knew I could make it over with paint. A little chalk paint along with some clear and dark wax had it looking fabulous in a short amount of time.
I began painting with great excitement and anticipation of its transformation, then I realized I didn't take a before photo of it! UGH! I did manage to put down the paintbrush and capture a glimpse of the two different colors of the top and bottom, and a few photos of the process.
I had already decided that I wanted to have some of the green still showing after I painted the pumpkin, so I started painting just about where the orange appeared and I didn't paint all the way up to begin with.
I carefully painted the top area by dry-brushing the paint very lightly there, using a small artist brush. I had more control that way, and could apply the paint in small amounts. I just played around with it until I had the look I was happy with.
I painted a couple coats in varied thickness, I felt that would also give it some texture. Pumpkins aren't perfectly smooth, after all. This photo is just after finishing the painting, and after washing my brushes ...the paint dries pretty quickly! I let it sit a while longer to allow it plenty of time to dry thoroughly before the next step, applying the wax.
Here it is all finished, after the waxing. I gave it a coat of clear wax, then after dry I buffed it lightly with a soft cloth. I added dark wax, lightly and sparingly, in different areas one spot at a time, then wiped it off immediately, controlling the amount. I found it was a bit too dark in a few places so I used the clear wax to help remove some or tone it done. I finished with another coat of clear wax that I buffed to a nice shine, after all of the wax was dry. And, just look at that shine!
My pumpkins are looking right at home here now. They're perfect! I'm so glad I was the one to get both of them the day that I found them. I'm still smiling every time I look at my pretty white pumpkin ...that 'I' painted!
It was overall an easy project, and I will most likely be doing more. I love the results!
