Faux Stoneware Pumpkins
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Here is a simple and easy way to transform cheap plastic pumpkins and gourds. Create a faux stoneware pumpkin finish with just a few items.
My sweet friend Angie, of Postcards from the Ridge, is super talented. in our last Thrifty Style Team post, she created the most beautiful vase. She transformed a simple glass vase into a stoneware beauty! I definitely will be doing a vase for my own home. In the meantime, I was inspired to make faux stoneware pumpkins. It was easier than I thought it would be.
I think it is safe to say that most of us have plastic pumpkins or gourds. The ones that I used for this project came from a bag that I bought for $1 at a thrift store awhile ago.
Materials needed to make faux stoneware pumpkins
- Paint – I used the same paint that I used for the French Country Lamp Makeover. Folk Art Chalk in Blanc Cottage.
- Baking soda
- Brush – a cheap sponge brush is great for this project.
- Coffee grounds – damp. I used the grounds from my morning coffee when they were still warm.
- Plastic pumpkins – something from the thrift store or dollar store is perfect. Do NOT use expensive or really good pumpkins.
- Bubblewrap – if you don’t have bubblewrap you can use a sea sponge.
How to make faux stoneware pumpkins
- Gather all materials
- Protect your painting surface
- Mix paint and baking soda – 3 to 1 ratio = 3 parts paint to 1 part baking soda
- Begin painting the plastic pumpkins.
- Start by painting the bottom half first.
- When paint mixture is dry, paint the top half of the pumpkins.Let dry completely.
- Add a thick second layer of paint mixture.
- Before the paint dries, use scrunched up bubblewrap and pounce or stipple the painted pumpkins. This creates the textured finish.
- Dry pumpkins overnight.
- Gently rub damp coffee grounds all over the painted pumpkins. This gives them a vintage aged look.
- Let coffee grounds dry completely. Wipe off.
This faux stoneware finish is super easy to create. Simply add baking soda to paint and finish with a coffee ground stain!
Pro Tips
- When pouncing/stippling with the bubblewrap – be mindful that you are not pulling all of the paint off of the pumpkins.
- Be sure that the paint is completely dry before adding the coffee grounds.
- Gently apply the damp coffee grounds. If you rub too much, it might look like beige paint. The object is to add dimension to the stippled areas.
- Be patient and let the grounds dry well for the same reason as above.
Faux Bisque Pumpkins
By the way, if you prefer white faux bisque pumpkins – you can simply skip the coffee ground stain.
Ballard Designs has similar bisque pumpkins and they are very pricey! Their mini pumpkin is $29 and they go all of the way up to $59!
I think my version is very similar and they were free-to-me because I had everything I needed in my stash. I’m sure that you do too!
Personally, I like the stoneware look – it gives the pumpkins a rustic and vintage feel. Which is your favorite?
For convenience I created a printable craft card below with all of the directions.
Faux Stoneware Pumpkin
This faux stoneware finish is super easy to create. Simply add baking soda to paint and finish with a coffee ground stain!
Materials
- Paint – I used the same paint that I used for the French Country Lamp Makeover. Folk Art Chalk in Blanc Cottage.
- Baking soda
- Brush – a cheap sponge brush is great for this project. I always use my trusty 1-inch Purdy brush.
- Coffee grounds
- Plastic pumpkins – something from the thrift store or dollar store is perfect. Do NOT use expensive or really good pumpkins.
- Bubble wrap
Instructions
- Protect your surface with parchment paper.
- Gather all materials
- Mix paint and baking soda - 3 to 1 ratio = 3 parts paint to 1 part baking soda
- Begin painting the plastic pumpkins. Start by painting the bottom half first. When paint mixture is dry, paint the top half of the pumpkins.
- Let dry completely.
- Add a thick second layer of paint mixture.
- Before the paint dries, use scrunched up bubblewrap and pounce the painted finish. This creates the textured finish.
- Dry pumpkins overnight.
- Gently rub damp coffee grounds all over the painted pumpkins. This gives a vintage aged look.