Easily Craft a Folk Art Pumpkin

Paint Pumpkin

Using a 1-1/2” flat paint brush, paint pumpkin with two coats of white acrylic paint. Allow paint to dry properly between coats and before moving to step 2. Tip: As an alternative, pumpkin can be painted with spray paint.  

Sketch Design 

Use a pencil to sketch out a loose, folk art design. If freehand drawing isn’t your forte, use provided template and graphite transfer paper to transfer designs onto pumpkin. Rotate template and repeat patterns until pumpkin is covered with designs. Tip: Print template in different sizes to have even more design possibilities.

Color Design

Use colorful permanent markers to color in penciled design. Use lots of colors; this style of design will look best when it’s busy and full. Tip: If working on this project with kids, this is a good time to bring out the art smocks, since permanent marker will stain clothing. 

Add Detail

Add more details and color to bring the designs to life, filling in outlines with a lighter shade of the same color (Image 1). Step back from pumpkin every few minutes to see if overall desired look is being achieved (Image 2).