Mod Gourd: Create a Swirly Pumpkin
Add modern flair to your fall decor with this simple pumpkin decorating project.
Image courtesy of Sam Henderson
Give your fall decor a modern update with this simple craft project. The materials are inexpensive and easy to find. The result is stylish and sophisticated.
What you’ll need:
- Pie pumpkin
- Silicone caulk
- Painter’s tape
- Permanent marker
- Newsprint
- Flat white spray paint
Steps for a Swirly Pumpkin
See All Photos
Preparing the pumpkin
Turn the pumpkin upside down in a container that will protect the stem. Use a permanent marker to make six approximately equal sections. Use the natural grooves in the pumpkin as your guide and draw the lines from the bottom to the top of the pumpkin. Wrap painter’s tape around the middle of the pumpkin horizontally.
Applying the swirls
Starting close to the bottom of the pumpkin, make a swirl with the silicone caulk starting on the outside and working toward the center. The outside edge of the swirl should be close to the section lines and up to the painter’s tape.
Repeat for all six sections. Allow to harden completely before proceeding. When the bottom swirls have hardened, turn the pumpkin over and remove the painter’s tape. At about 1 o’clock on the bottom swirls make another swirl in the opposite direction. This swirl should be about 2/3 the size of the first swirl and the center of the swirl should line up with the section lines you have drawn. Now draw another swirl at 11 o’clock on the second row of swirls. This swirl should be about ½ the size of the last swirl and go in the opposite direction.
Note: If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your swirl simply wipe away the caulk with a paper towel and start over.
Make small curls with the silicone caulk at 9 o’clock on the second row of swirls and at 2 o’clock of the top row of swirls. Add three dots vertically between each of the bottom swirls. Add one dot between each of the top swirls and one dot just above each of the top swirls. Allow caulk to harden completely.
Tip: After caulk has hardened slightly, use your fingertip to press down any points that are sticking up.
Painting the pumpkin
Apply painter's tape to the edge of some newsprint with half of the tape adhesive exposed. Wrap the exposed portion around the stem base and press firmly. Twist the paper together over the stem to ensure that it is completely masked before painting.
Paint the entire pumpkin with flat white spray paint. It may take a couple of coats (especially where you have drawn lines). Allow paint to dry completely and remove masking.
Note: After this project is complete, the pumpkin is no longer edible.
