Now that Labor Day is behind us, there’s no fighting it anymore. Fall is just around the corner, and although I’m sorry to see Summer pass, Autumn is truly my favorite season of the year. I love the cool, crisp weather it brings, the gorgeous foliage we are fortunate to have here in New England, the scents, the decor ─ it’s such a fun, beautiful season overall.
Pumpkins are one of the most versatile symbols of Autumn. They’re perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving, and can be decorated to suit any kind of decor.
Enter paint.
No longer is it necessary to carve pumpkins to achieve a cool look. In fact, I think the prettiest, and easiest way to dress up a pumpkin is to simply paint it!
I narrowed my favorite painted pumpkin ideas down to 12, but there are hundreds of gorgeous, inspiring ideas out there.
1.
Metallic paint is my best friend, and if you haven’t familiarized yourself with its ability to transform an ordinary object into something chic and sophisticated, give it a try.
2.
Adding polka dots or stripes to pumpkins isn’t difficult, and makes a festive statement.
Source
3.
I bet Vincent Van Gough never imagined his masterpiece would turn up on a pumpkin!
As an aside…have you ever been to a Van Gogh exhibit? When I was in Singapore a few years ago, there was a Van Gogh exhibit that would have knocked your socks off! The entire museum was transformed into what can only be described as a theatre. On the walls were various paintings that were accompanied by appropriate music…dark and mysterious, or upbeat and lively. The paintings would fade into another, and the loop continued on the wall…then you moved to another section where there was yet another wall and the process continued. Very cool.
4.
A white-painted pumpkin serves as a lovely seasonal vase for a bouquet of flowers. Wouldn’t this be pretty as a centerpiece? You could choose any color combinations you want to suit your mood and decor.
5.
Like plaid? Me too :).
6.
Here’s some cute pumpkins that have benefitted from the use of glossy paint. Notice the gold chain on the ghost?
7.
Super easy, but with big impact, this pumpkin dipped in glossy white and metallic gold has an elegant and sophisticated feel.
8.
These pumpkins were transformed with ikat, suzani, and Missoni inspired patterns. A bit more labor intensive, but so worth it!
9.
Argyle and plaid pumpkins are some of my favorites, and would work so well with casual decor.
10.
This collection offers something for everyone…chevron, polka dots, argyle, stripes and more. Take your pick!
11.
Here’s a great way to use up those thumbtacks you might have laying around, and it’s easy to do.
12.
This has got to be one of the cutest ideas using miniature pumpkins I’ve ever seen.
Have you ever painted a pumpkin?
In other news…
As I’m writing this, it’s over 90 degrees outside and super humid. In fact, I heard on the news it was the hottest day of the year so far, so it was just perfect for staying inside and decorating a little for the upcoming Fall Home Tour. I also started painting the bathroom cabinet and I’m debating if I have enough energy left to start working on my tomato sauce.
Nah…
In case you missed it in my sidebar, here’s the lineup for the tour. There’s going to be lots of inspiration so be sure to drop by!
This was a good week for food (but maybe not my muffin top).
We received a goody package from our daughter from her trip to Greece (which she LOVED!) You see that jar of carrots? Yup, it’s carrots. Why would someone send carrots you might be wondering.
These are no ordinary carrots my friends. They are like nothing I’ve ever eaten before (and that’s saying a LOT). I can’t explain the texture, or even the taste other than to say they’re not crunchy but almost chewy, and somewhat sweet. Delicious!
AND…I was also the winner of Amy’s giveaway!! I can’t believe I guessed correctly. I mean really, what were the odds?? Something like 50 to 1? Hello chocolate sauce, blueberry jam, unbelievably delicious cookies…shall I go on?!
Thank you Amy! You’re the best :).
Sharing At
Jemma says
Hi Pretty Lady!
Oh, how I love a snazzy pumpkin! You have picked the cream of the crop for decorating inspiration, and I am so glad that we don’t have to carve them anymore. Now, I certainly did enjoy the creativity with my kids, but I’m older now and I still like to decorate with pumpkins-but not carve them. I love them all, but oh my- I am totally smitten with the floral arrangement and the plaid!
Your treat from Greece sound tasty and congrats on the Win!
See you at the blog tour:)
xoxo
Jemma
handmade by amalia says
What an amazing variety of ideas. I think the white vase is my favorite, or the doughnuts 🙂
Amalia
xo
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Pinned, pinned & pinned! I have never painted a real pumpkin, but I have painted the faux ones. I think it makes the real ones last much longer than cutting a face into them.
Brenda
Amy @ StowandTellU says
These are all SO FUN!! A painted pumpkin lasts much longer than a carved one, I think I’m going to paint some this season. We had the same kind of hot spell and just happened to be clearing all the weeds at the new house that day. I thought I was going to faint it was so hot. Looking forward to your fall tour and thanks for the pumpkin painting inspiration xo
Doreen says
Hi Amy, I’ve been meaning to let you know I’ve tried to comment on your blog but I can’t seem to find the comment section. Also, most of the time when I visit the site crashes more than once. Have you turned off comments? If not, where is it located?
Thanks so much!
Poppy says
A little bit of paint can make even the blandest of things pop with pretty pizzazz and your collection of pumpkins are perfect examples of this! Personally, I love the specimen in stripes, polka dots, and plaid in traditional autumn colours, but having said that, I cannot stop staring at the white and gold metallic covered beauties – they remind me of the luscious bundt cakes of my childhood, dripping with decadent glazes.
Your goodies from Greece and New Jersey look delicious! Enjoy!
xo
Poppy
kim says
Doreen
You are a lucky lady. Lots of yum-yum happening there!
Painting pumpkins, who knew? Now I have many choices…
It’s definitely Fall weather here now and I haven’t even begun
to decorate yet, just too much else going on. I’m looking forward
to the Home Tours this next week. Thanks for reminding me!
Jane says
Thanks for all of the pumpkin ideas and the links. I think the pink plaid one is my favorite—so unusual and fun. And I had to Pin the cupcake mini’s…definitely want to try that!
Your daughter is a sweetie, I can just imagine how good the carrots were. I love to explore the condiment aisle in a fancy grocery store near me, lots of new-to-me things that would make an interesting appetizer tray.
Hurray on the win! It’s always a treat to get something good in the mail! 🙂
Have a great week.
Jane x
Julie says
Hi Doreen,
Wow I love your awesome array of pumpkins to decorate! You have given us so many great ideas.
Congrats on the house tour and I’m looking forward to that too.
How nice to be the winner of Amy’s giveaway and I love everything you received.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
Julie xo
Cecilia says
Hm, the metallic pumpkins are my favorite but they’re all fun! Your packages look like you are set with yummies! Enjoy! Have a wonderful week, my friend.
Hugs
Cecilia
kelly says
Congrats on winning that prize. I have those Tate Cookies here myself! They are from The Hamptons (but they sell them at Costco.) Shhhh……our secret. They are SO good too. Loved seeing all of those cute painted pumpkins. I like the tartan plaid ones and argyle patterned ones. I bet that took so work. I’m surprised it’s so hot where you live. I thought everyone was getting a cold wave right now. We’ve been feeling chilly lately. I’m sure it won’t last though.
Sue says
Oh yes, those donut pumpkins are to die for as they say. Love all the other ideas so thank you for the Great Pumpkin inspiration. Soo interesting about the different carrots that makes me want to try them too.
Emily says
I love using glitter and paint on pumpkins, it is fun. Wow, so many great ideas here. I love the starry night pumpkin. Maybe I will try something like that this year. Your Blogger Fall tour sounds fabulous and I’m sure there will be amazing inspiration. Looks like you were lucky in the goodies department, I am all into those carrots. Congratulations on your win………….
Have a great week……….
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
The donut (or cupcake) pumpkins are adorable and I also love the tack ones. LOTS of ways to transform a pumpkin!
Kim says
I love those painted pumpkins! I really have it on my list this year to try that technique and make something different. We’ll see! 😉 I checked out your 1980’s decor post and giggled my way though! I stenciled like a crazy girl, I also had tons of faux foliage! Garlands were a favorite, too…vines, floral, you name it. No surface was unadorned!!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
One is prettier than the next! I can’t get over that Starry Night pumpkin! And the doughnut pumpkins?! Sweet! Glad you enjoyed the goody box. I really wanted to send you some wine from the Hamptons, but I’d be writing my blog from jail, if I did. Can’t imagine what those carrots taste like, but if they’re from Greece, I’m betting they’re fantastic!
linda says
These are wonderful! I especially love the one that is painted white and used as a vase. Just gorgeous!
Linda
Feral Turtle says
What a fantastic collection! Congrats on your win…looks yummy and also I hope you enjoy all of your goodies from Greece. They look delish. Are the carrots kinda like pickled carrots?
Doreen says
They’re not at all like pickled carrots, although they look like they are. They’re chewy and sweet and unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before!
xxx
Gillian says
I’ve never tried painting a pumpkin. I really like the white version used as a vase.
Benita says
Those are all so interesting and beautiful, each unique! I love the plaid and the spray-painted pumpkins. The “Van Gogh” pumpkin is awesome!!
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Such great ideas for painting pumpkins, Doreen! How cute are those little ones that look like donuts!
Doreen says
They’re making me hungry Cathy 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!makeays great to hear from you!
tammy j says
i’m back in the land of the living!
and had to stop by and catch up with all i’ve missed here.
i loved taking a drive with you. oh it brought back such wonderful memories!
and even though i’d seen the fire pit before… i had to bask in its warmth once again…
and be amazed at your handiwork. such HARD work! but so worth it.
love and hugs dearest bean! XOXOXO♥
and yes. it’s still HOT here too. ugh. but the nights are kind of autumny. i’m love’in that!
Doreen says
I just commented on your post and opened my email and saw your comment! I guess we were on the same wavelength :).
So happy you’re back!
Linda Chapman says
You have a lot going on and it ALL looks wonderful!!! When the quads were just a year old, I painted some pumpkins black and let the quads put round white stickers ( like price stickers for garage sales) on them. I tied a polka dot ribbon around the stem and they were SO pretty!!! I haven’t seen fresh ones to buy here yet but I am watching for them!
Kim says
Oh, so many ideas! I think I’m a boring girl though, because my favorite is the white one with the flowers. I love, love, love that!
Doreen says
Then color me boring too Kim, because I copied it :).
xxx
rue says
That’s a whole lot of cute, Doreen! I did paint a pumpkin one time with my initial, but I’m pretty much just a carver and with the same face every year since I was a kid LOL
Congrats on the win 🙂
xo,
rue
Jann Olson says
Doreen, love this fun pumpkin inspiration. The metallic, polka dots and plaids have to be at the top of my list. The fall tour sounds great!
hugs,
Jann
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Sorry I’ve been so delayed coming around to say hello dear Friend! I think I’m still getting into the swing of my new Fall schedule. But I must say SQUEAL (of delight) – a Gal and post after my own heart!! Love all the beautiful inspiration!! The plaid pumpkins – be still my heart! I love the scoop about the Van Gough museum – would have LOVED to see that! I love the pumpkins I’ve seen too where they paint through lace to make a design on the pumpkin. The plaid and lace would totally be my style….but sheer genius with the thumbtacks too. 🙂
Hope it cools down and feels for more Fall like soon. And yay for goodie bags from wonderful loving daughters!
Congrats on winning – boy you’re rolling in the yummies over there! 😉
Blessings and hugs my dear Doreen! xoxo
Jennelise says
Beautiful! So many wonderful ideas! I love the white pumpkins with the roses!
Jennelise
Cindi says
Love all the ideas!
I’m actually going to be busy doing a bunch of ‘cat’ and ‘dog’ pumpkins for the vet clinic this weekend.
but I see several ideas I wish I could do for my home.
Great post!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Lovely inspiration! I really like how creative people can be with a pumpkin.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I love your display of decorated pumpkins, Doreen! I’ve always wanted to do that. Do you know how long pumpkins last after they are painted? I was wondering.
Looks like Christmas came early for you this year––with all the gifts. 😉 Enjoy!