HOW TO PERSONALIZE PAINTED FAKE PUMPKINS WITH IOD MOULDS
Hey there Crafty friends! I’ve got a beautiful painted pumpkin project for you today. Painted Fake Pumpkins have become a staple of fall decor, adding a touch of whimsy and festivity to homes throughout the season. But let’s do something unique! Let’s personalize our painted pumpkins by embellishing them with IOD (Iron Orchid Designs) moulds. This creative project adds sophistication and flair to ordinary painted pumpkins, making them the perfect centerpiece for any table, mantle, or porch. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the steps to create your own Painted Pumpkin Masterpiece. Let’s get started!
Here are the Supplies You’ll Need For Painted Fake Pumpkins:
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Fake (Faux) Pumpkin (I like these pumpkins better than the one I got! It has a better stem!)
IOD mould (I used “He Loves Me”)
Corn Starch – Grocery store
Steps to Painting Fake Pumpkins
Step 1: Select a Fake Pumpkin to Paint
To begin, select the shape and size of faux pumpkin you want to transform. Faux pumpkins are made of various materials and can be found at any craft store or online. Plastic or Foam faux pumpkins are an excellent choice because they’re lightweight and easy to paint. There are many different shapes and sizes of fake pumpkins, so keep that in mind when using Clay mold castings.
Here’s what I started with ( The Before ):
Notice how it’s semi-flat? I knew it would be easier to place my mold castings around this one rather than one shaped like this:
However; I do love this shape for embellishing with texture! See my Crusty Metallic Pumpkin Project here!
Step 2: Prep Pumpkin If Necessary
Before diving into the fun part of painting and decorating, let’s decide if our pumpkin needs priming before painting. If working with an acrylic paint, I would recommend priming it first. It’s not always necessary, but it does help the paint adhere better, ensuring a longer-lasting finish. Another option would be to use a Chalk- type paint, which is also a good alternative to primer. A good chalk paint will adhere to most anything, even glass! Read more about that here.
I chose to use a Copper Metallic Paint from Paint Couture. This paint is beautiful and the coverage is excellent, but if you choose not to prime, you may need to apply more coats.
Step 3: Painting Fake Pumpkins with Metallic Paint
Now It’s time to bring on the metallic magic! Paint Couture metallic paints consists of mica powders, which can settle to the bottom, so it’s important to stir thoroughly before applying to ensure all the pigments are evenly mixed.
Using a smooth, synthetic brush, apply the metallic copper paint to your pumpkin and allow to dry. Using a hair dryer on a low setting can speed up the drying process.
Once your paint is applied, you’ll start to see the magic take shape. The copper paint gives the pumpkin a warm, radiant glow, perfect for fall decor.
Step 4: Create and Apply Your Moulds to Painted Fake Pumpkins
Now that your pumpkin is painted and dry, it’s time to create the mould castings. The beauty of using IOD moulds is the incredible detail they provide. I used the “He Loves Me” mould for flowers and leaves, but the possibilities are endless. There are plenty of IOD mould options to choose from, whether you prefer florals, ornate shapes, or vintage flourishes.
Pinch off enough air-dry clay and press it firmly into the mould, ensuring the clay is filled evenly all the way to the edges. Remove excess clay with your thumb.
Once the clay is shaped, carefully remove it from the mould. It helps to let them “pop out” by turning the mould over, and slightly bending it to loosen the image.
Tip: Lightly dust your mould with cornstarch before adding the clay. This will help your clay image release from the mould easier.
Get more Tips on Getting Perfect Clay Castings for your Projects below:
Once you’ve removed your clay shapes, immediately adhere them to the pumpkin. Once the clay dries, you will be unable to mold the image to the pumpkin. I use TiteBond glue for the best hold. Start near the stem and work your way outward, overlapping flowers and leaves to create a layered, organic look. Gently press the clay image down. Don’t worry too much about precision; once you paint them any imperfection is usually covered up.
It’s a good idea to create and apply the mould castings in stages, working on one side at a time so you can lay the pumpkin on its side. This prevents the clay images from sliding down or falling off as they dry. If you prefer to do it all at one time, use painters tape to gently hold the shapes in place.
Step 5: Finishing Touches to Painted Fake Pumpkins
Once your pumpkin is adorned with moulds, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Using a dry brushing technique, I added copper metallic accents to the clay images. This gives the flowers and leaves a subtle shimmer, tying them in with the metallic base.
Dry brushing is a simple technique where you dip your brush in paint, wipe off the excess, and gently sweep it across the surface of the moulds. The result is a soft, almost ethereal glow that enhances the details of the flowers and leaves without overwhelming them.
Step 6: Seal Painted Fake Pumpkin
Paint Couture’s metallic paints don’t require a sealer; however, it doesn’t hurt to do so. I would recommend a water-based polycrylic. If you decided on chalk painting pumpkins, you could seal with wax OR a polycrylic.
For more details on Sealing Chalk Paint, grab my free guide below:
Step 7: Display Your Painted Pumpkin Masterpiece
With your pumpkin fully decorated and dry, it’s time to show it off! Whether you’re using it as a centerpiece, placing it on your mantle, or gifting it to a friend, your metallic pumpkin will be a stunning addition to any fall decor. The combination of metallic paint and IOD moulds creates a unique, high-end look that’s sure to impress.
While this project can be time-consuming, especially with larger pumpkins or more intricate designs, the results are well worth the effort. Not only will you have a beautiful decorative piece for your home, but you’ll also gain the satisfaction of creating something unique with your own hands.
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Let’s go back over some main questions you may have on painting faux pumpkins:
You can use Chalk-type paints or Acrylic paints on fake pumpkins, but you may need to prime first if using acrylic paints. Depending on the surface of the pumpkin that you want to paint, it may be helpful to use a primer first. By the way, chalk-type paints can be used as a primer as well. Check out this article for more information on chalk type paints.
Follow the steps in this article for painting a plastic pumpkin. As mentioned, I would recommend using chalk-type paint or primer if using an acrylic paint. Remember, chalk-type paints can be substituted for primer.
For a pumpkin to be used indoors, you can seal a chalk painted pumpkin with decor wax or a water-based polycrylic. You can seal an acrylic painted pumpkin with a water-based polycrylic.
Honestly, you could just put on a base coat of chalk paint if you want to prime something small like a pumpkin. If painting something like furniture that needs to be primed, I like this primer. Spray primers, such as Rustoleum, are a good choice as well.
If painting a pumpkin to be displayed outdoors, you would need to protect it with an appropriate outdoor sealer. This sealer is what I would use. It’s actually good for indoors or out.
My go-to glue for almost any project, including a painted pumpkin, is Titebond Quick and Thick glue. It sets up really quick, holds firm, and dries clear.
Absolutely! Paper mache pumpkins can definitely be painted and embellished just like described in this article. I wouldn’t even prime it and you can use chalk paint or acrylic paint. Check out one of my paper mache projects here!
Crafting your own metallic pumpkin with IOD moulds is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your fall decor. With a little patience and the right materials, you can transform a simple pumpkin into a beautiful work of art. Let me know if you try this down in the comments below. I’d love for you to share a picture as well!
Happy creating!
Joanie
