We’re continuing “Pumpkin Week” here on the blog, and today I’m sharing a tutorial for the modern stenciled pumpkin I made for the West Elm workshop here in Atlanta. (If you missed it the other day, I shared a gold leaf dipped pumpkin here and a paint dipped pumpkin here.) I love painting pumpkins because there are so many fun possibilities and ways to customize them. Stenciling a pumpkin can definitely be tricky thanks to the curved shape and crevices, but it can be done, very carefully. I’ll share my tips with you here and hopefully make the process go a bit easier for you. I opted to use 3 colors for my pumpkin, but of course you have full creative freedom to use as many colors as you choose! (This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.)
Project Supplies:
- Pumpkin
- Plaid® Liquid Leaf
- Honeycomb Stencil (I used this one.)
- Painter’s Tape or Stencil Tape
- FolkArt Multi-Surface Craft Paint (I used the colors “Ink Spot” and “Patina.”)
- Foam Pouncers
Step 1
The first step is to make sure that your pumpkin is clean and residue-free. Scrub any dirt off of the surface, and then do a final cleaning with some rubbing alcohol to make sure there isn’t any remaining residue that might prevent your paint from adhering.
Step 2
Next, tape your stencil in place. You can use painter’s tape or stencil tape for this. Because the surface is curved, you may have to work in sections and adjust your stencil as you go. What I did instead was to just choose a few honeycombs to stencil in a random pattern, rather than trying to use the entire stencil. I alternated colors as I went.
Step 3
Now it’s time to apply your paint. Using a small foam pouncer or a stencil brush (I found the foam pouncers to be easier), “pounce” your paint on using quick up and down motions. (Or circular motions if you use a brush.)
Step 4
You will likely have to apply two coats, but the Liquid Leaf only requires one coat. I did have to go back in and touch up around the edges with a wet wipe and my fingernail since it’s very hard to get a crisp edge on a curved surface. I used my paper plate as a palette and alternated colors.
Step 5
Remove your stencil, and you’re done!
Don’t forget to check out the gold leaf dipped pumpkins and paint dipped pumpkins too!
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Jason says
This is a great tutorial! I was looking for different ideas to do pumpkin design for Halloween but not the traditional way. This will look great by my front patio!