13 Easy DIY Orange Pumpkins Makeovers
Are you starting to feel that fall is in the air? Is it time to embrace the cozy charm of pumpkin season? Pumpkins don’t have to be limited to traditional orange hues. In fact, let’s elevate your autumn decor with 13 easy DIY orange pumpkin makeovers.
Although orange pumpkins are the most iconic pumpkins, over the past several years, other colors have become just as, even not more, popular.
Today, you will find elegant terra cotta tones. Soothing shades of green, blue, and even pink are popular. In fact, any color but orange seems to be the color of the day and breathes a fresh vibe into your fall displays.
In this post, you’ll discover a variety of paint techniques and embellishments, including the use of shimmering gold and copper metallics, to create pumpkins that perfectly complement your home’s aesthetic.
Whether you’re working with faux pumpkins or fresh ones from the pumpkin patch, these 13 easy DIY projects will inspire you to think outside the box and create unique, personalized decor.
The best part? These makeovers are simple enough for crafters of all skill levels, making them perfect for a fun weekend project or a creative activity to enjoy with friends and family.
Fabulous Pumpkin Transformations to Consider
There are so many possible ways to transform orange or white pumpkins into unique and creative fall pumpkin decorations.
Here are some ideas I’ve brainstormed. I’ve starred ones that are in this round up post. Feel free to copy and paste this list for your use:
- Chalk-painted pumpkins with a vintage farmhouse vibe
- Elegant ombré pumpkins in soothing pastel hues
- *Metallic copper-dipped pumpkins for a touch of glamour
- Decoupage pumpkins featuring botanical prints
- *Textured terra cotta pumpkins with a rustic charm
- *Marbled pumpkins in dreamy swirls of color
- Velvet-covered pumpkins for luxurious texture
- *Coastal-inspired pumpkins in serene blues and greens
- *Gold leaf pumpkins for a touch of opulence
- Distressed pumpkins with a shabby chic appeal
- *Glitter-dipped pumpkins for a festive sparkle
- Painted lace pumpkins for delicate elegance
- *Color block pumpkins for a modern twist
Unleash your creativity and transform your fall decor with these stunning pumpkin makeovers. Step outside your DIY comfort zone to try a new pumpkin project.
DIY Pumpkin Techniques to Try
Over the years, I’ve used several different craft techniques to decorate pumpkins (paint, decoupage, fabric, yarn, and twine) to update orange pumpkins to prettier decor.
Most of the pumpkin projects I’m sharing use some type of paint technique to cover the initial orange or white faux or fresh pumpkin.
There are numerous unique paint techniques that can be used to create stunning pumpkin makeovers. Each offers a distinctive aesthetic that enhances autumn decor.
Here are some of the most creative methods:
1. Chalk Paint Technique – Chalk paint is favored for its matte finish and texture, making it ideal for achieving a rustic, natural, or farmhouse look.
2. Metallic Finishes – Metallic spray paints can transform pumpkins into elegant decor pieces. Leaf in metallics, especially in iconic fall golds and copper, offer another great material for updating orange pumpkins.
3. Concrete Effect – For a industrial vibe, you can mimic a concrete look by applying a light gray base coat followed by dabbing on a darker gray while the first layer is still wet. This paint technique creates a textured, splotchy appearance that looks like real concrete.
4. Mud and Earthy Textures – I read about this method that requires a little more effort. If you want an earthy, rustic finish, try mixing dirt with water to create a mud-like consistency. After applying a black spray paint base, then layer the mud onto the pumpkin and allow it to dry. Once dried, rub off some of the mud to reveal a textured, organic look that resembles earthenware. This technique adds a unique and natural touch to your pumpkin decor.
5. Decoupage and Mixed Media – This is one method that I’ve used and love it. Decoupage techniques allow for endless creativity. Using Mod Podge, it’s easy to adhere fabric, paper, or other materials to the surface of the pumpkin. I do recommend painting orange pumpkins white before proceeding with the rest of your pumpkin makeover.
6. Sharpie Art – Sharpie markers are excellent for drawing intricate designs on the pumpkin’s surface, providing a permanent and weather-resistant finish. This technique encourages artistic expression and can be tailored to any style, from whimsical to sophisticated.
These techniques allow you to enhance the visual appeal of pumpkins but also allows for personalization.
Whether you prefer a rustic, modern, or whimsical look, these methods will inspire you to create beautiful pumpkin decor for the fall season.
NOTE: Remember, both faux and fresh pumpkins can be used for these pumpkin design makeovers. Your best sources are: your own home, the dollar stores, craft stores, and Amazon. Even garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets are good resources.
Pumpkin Makeover Projects to Try.
Let me know which of these 13 projects are your favorites.
DIY Pumpkin Refresh
Sheli of House on Wilshire had orange glass pumpkins but was after a more muted handmade look. See how she transformed them for a more natural style.
Indigo Marble Pumpkins
Sarah and Melissa and Alice and Lois teaches you
how to make these gorgeous Marbled Indigo Pumpkins using nail polish and water!
Copper Leaf Pumpkins
Copper is one of my favorite metallics for fall. Do you need decorating ideas for your ugly faux pumpkins? Transform them into pretty fall decor with this tutorial for copper leaf fake pumpkins. Wanda From House to Home shows you how.
Metallic Pumpkin Makeover
Amy of Atta Girl Says, “Do you love glitz and glam as much as I do?” Then you’re going to love these pumpkin decorating ideas using paint and metallic foil.
Chic Dollar Tree Makeover
Transform those simple squishy pumpkins to a super elegant pumpkin for your chic fall decor. Agnes of Just That Perfect Piece shows you how to get this look.
FairyTale Heirloom Pumpkins
Hannah of We Lived Happily Ever After dug out a tub of pumpkins out of storage and decided to paint the boring faux pumpkins.
DIY Glam Dollar Tree Makeover
Angela of Word and Home created DIY glam pumpkins using some spray paint, chalk paint, and three Dollar Tree pumpkins.
Whitewashing Pumpkins
Laura of Everyday Laura transformed pumpkins using a whitewash technique. If you’re unfamiliar with whitewashing pumpkins have no fear… it’s quick, cheap, and so easy to do.
Heirloom Pumpkin Makeovers
Jamie of So Much Better with Age paints pumpkins to resemble those beautiful heirloom/muted color pumpkins. These pumpkins are hard to find and often expensive so Jamie shows you how to paint your own.
3 Easy Faux Pumpkin Makeovers
Michelle of ThistleKey Lane shares three easy faux pumpkin makeovers. My friend always has the best projects.
Texture Covers Faux Pumpkins
Anne and Ann Marie of Simply2Moms are friends who create the cutest projects. They transform dollar store pumpkins into a pretty and textural pumpkins.
Sharpie-Painted Pumpkin
Jennifer of The Craft Patch has a really fun pumpkin painting technique to share with you. She makes these pretty pumpkins with a faux watercolor technique using Sharpie markers.
Here are more pumpkin projects that I know you will love:
Check out these Pinterest Boards that have pumpkin ideas: Fall DIY Projects, Halloween DIY Projects, Fall Decor.
I hope you PIN this post, visit each pretty pumpkin makeover and PIN your favorites.