Tuesday, September 20, 2011

DIY Ombre Pumpkins {tutorial}

I have seen a few ombre inspired projects lately (here) and was trying to think of a way to incorporate this trend into my fall decore. Why not try to paint  my craft pumkins?


Supplies:
Craft pumpkins (I got my two smaller ones at the Dollar Tree and the largest one at Joanns for 50% off)
One 2 oz paint bottle (I used Martha Stewarts new line of paints. Just because I liked the color)
One 2 oz bottle of white or cream paint
Paint brushes
Blue painter's tape
Ruler
Primer (you dont really need this but my pumpkins all started out different colors. I primed them with white spray primer so I had the same surface to work with)

Once I primed my pumpkins and they dried I decided how big I wanted my stripes to be. I choose 3/4 inch. With your pumpkin sitting flat, measure 3/4 inch up from your flat surface. Put your blue painters tape around the pumpkin.

Next, squeeze your entire bottle of orange paint into a cantainer (or whatever color you choose). Paint your first section of the pumpkin.


This is where this project gets time consuming. Let the paint completly dry (approx. 30 minutes). While I was waiting for my paint to dry I cleaned and worked on some future projects. I used a hair dryer to help speed the process because I had the patience of about a two year old. Watching and waiting for paint to dry is very exciting!

Once your paint is dry remove the blue tape. Put blue tape over the line that just finished drying, leaving a little overlap so no white shows through. Measure 3/4 inch from your last painted row and tape around your pumpkin again. You will now have two rows of blue tape to paint your next row between.


Try to get your tape as tight as possible. The surface of the pumpkin made it difficult. In the end, it really does not matter beacause you are going to be painting over it with your next row. Plus with the uneven surface of the pumpkin the blemishes are difficult to see unless you standing right next to the pumpkin.

To paint your next row, add 1 teaspoon of white paint to your base and mix. You will continue this process all the way up your pumpkin. It is a long project so don't expect to sit down and do this project in an hour. (I painted a row, went to the gym, came back to do the next row, showered, came back to do the next row, ect...)

When I finally finished painting my rows, I painted the stem of the pumpkin with some leftover brown paint. I am pleased with the finished project, but this project takes time and patience.




I am linking up to parties at:

Check out all the Buttons here
Tutorials and Tips Tuesday at Home Stories A 2 Z
Flaunt it Friday at Chic on a Shoe String
Friday Flair at Whipper Berry
Potpourri Party at 2805
Sunday Showcase Party at Under the Table and Dreaming
Sunday Scoop at I heart Nap Time
Lovely Crafty Weekend at Lovely Crafty Home
Weekend Wrap up Party at Tater tots and Jello
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors
Show and Share at Southern Lovely
Wow me Wednesdays at Ginger Snap Scrafts
Sizzle into Summers at DIY by Design
Primp your Stuff Wednesday at Primp
Will Craft for...Comments at Tales of a Trophy Wife



6 comments:

  1. Very cool! I may need to head off to the Dollar Tree.

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  2. These look very nice! Your blog is coming along great! I'm a new follower!

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  3. Those are gorgeous and look like they cost a lot more. Great job! I am a new follower from the Creative Juice Thursday Hop. Vicky @ www.messforless.net

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  4. VERY cool. I would love it if you would link this up to my Pumpkin Addicts Anonymous link party going on now: http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2011/09/pumpkin-addicts-anonymous-link-party.html
    I hope to see you soon!
    ~Macy

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  5. Can't go wrong with Ombre! How cool... well done!

    ~ Meredith From A Mother Seeking Come find me on my blog, A Mother Seeking...

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  6. Those look really great! I love the idea. Would you pretty please consider linking up to my pumpkin party?

    http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-craft-challenge-4-pumpkins.html

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