White mini pumpkins are very popular again this year! I had several people comment recently about the baby boo's I used to decorate StoneGable with this fall.
Apparently, mini white pumpkins are not available everywhere... but no problem. We can fix that!
I had a big bag full of orange pumpkins that I painted to look like baby boo's...
Apparently, mini white pumpkins are not available everywhere... but no problem. We can fix that!
I had a big bag full of orange pumpkins that I painted to look like baby boo's...
They started out like this....
And ended up like this...
White pumpkins have lots of soft yellow undertones. I wanted to capture them as realistically as I could.
Here's how I did it...
1. Choose orange mini pumpkins.
2. Paint them with 2 coats of Old White Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
(or warm white acrylic paints)
3. Make a "sludge" with clear wax and Country Grey Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
(or use a clear wax and a yellow gold acrylic paint)
Use only a tiny bit of paint, about one or two drops to 1 tsp of wax. Mix together and that is a sludge.
4. Wax the pumpkin. If you need a little more color add another drop of Country Grey to the sludge and rewax the pumpkin.
Let the wax dry and buff with a soft white cotton rag.
5. Pull out the plastic stem of each pumpkin.
6. AND HERE'S THE SECRET TO MAKING OUR LITTLE WHITE PUMPKINS LOOK REAL!
Glue a real pumpkin or gourd stem in its place.
I pop off the stems of real pumpkins and gourds every year and save them.
To pop off a pumpkin stems, put pressure against the side of the stem at it's base with your thumb and it should pop off!
Towards the end of the season I visit my local greenhouses and ask if I can have pumpkin stems from their discarded pumpkins.
I tied a black and white checkered ribbon around the stem of these little white pumpkins ... aren't they so sassy?
I have a few fun fall projects using white painted pumpkins coming soon!
Remember to...
I love how this is a simple project, with big effect. Those checkered ribbons add such a sweet touch!
ReplyDeleteAs always, great idea and easy to do! Thanks for sharing how to have everlasting baby boos! Love that ribbon too!
ReplyDeleteCute!!
ReplyDeleteYou know sass and how to paint pumpkins!!:) I never would have thought of using the stems on plastic pumpkins. Brilliant idea.
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
ReplyDeleteThe real stem really makes a huge difference! I just had one of those "why didn't I think of that?" moments! The pumpkins look real! I haven't been able to make it to bible study because my dad's been ill and that has made things extra busy for me for several weeks now! Not sure if I've missed too much to jump in maybe next week?
Blessings,
Doreen
I painted some Dollar Tree pumpkins white last year because I could not find any baby boos locally here. I'm going to try and remember to get some stems at our famer's market to use on them.
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing your posts....you have been such an inspiration to me! Thanks Yvonne!
Great tips. I will have to paint some of my horrible orange pumpkins in my stash.
ReplyDeleteThose turned out beautiful Yvonne!
ReplyDeletexx
Anne
So pretty! x
ReplyDeleteSuzanne of Simply Suzannes at Home
ReplyDeleteThey look great, Yvonne!
Thanks for sharing,
Suzanne
You are so clever! I love your decorating style, tasteful & classic w/o being over-the-top and not everything "Frenchy"!
ReplyDeleteI just painted some gourds that dried up from last year and looked dull, so now they look wonderful in White, like your pumpkins....I love them!
ReplyDeleteFABBY
White pumpkins can be pretty hard to find aroun dhere. Love the idea of painting them white {or whatever color you want/need}.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, I love how you pay attention to detail! What a great idea! What I've been loving--the black and white checked ribbon around the white pumpkins; your fall decorations around the house and in the kitchen--the most recent tablescape (adore it!!!); each and every picture that I could spend hours enjoying and studying (I DON'T spend hours, but just once I wish I could). I appreciate all the time you put into each and every post!
ReplyDeleteLinda in Lititz
I think they're prettier than the natural ones I found at the produce stand! Great tutorial, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you find all of the extra stems? They look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI have been painting baby pumpkins for years but I never thought of adding wax. Good idea. Your baby boos are adorable! Thanks for sharing their cuteness with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
Yvonne,
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I have been able to find white pumpkins but this is a great tutorial if you cannot get them. I love the little candy corns around your sweet pumpkins and the black and white ribbon is adorable.
Kris
I live in NC and the wet Spring/early Summer ruined the pumpkin vines and therefore there are very few of the Baby Boo's (orange or white). The white are really in demand.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen ANY baby boos around here so this is a GREAT tutorial! Thanks!!!! Love them on the blck and white check with the candy corn scattered. WHERE did you find the little bench/stand??? XOXO
ReplyDeleteI so need to do this Yvonne! Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteGluing the real stem is so ingenious! I love those little white pumpkins :)
ReplyDeleteGluing the real stem is so ingenious! I love those little white pumpkins :)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your blog and look forward to your new posts each day! I just love everything about your style/décor. I love how much you want to create a warm home for your family and guests. I appreciate your posts on Sunday and have been so blessed by your devotionals. I think I have written to you before about how much I enjoy your blog - I just couldn't contain myself again! :-) Thank you so much for inspiring me to have a lovely home, to be a better hostess, and to encourage me spiritually! :-)
ReplyDeleteP.S. - I will definitely be painting some UGLY faux pumpkins I have had but quit displaying. We have white pumpkins here but they are more expensive and painting is a cheaper option.
ReplyDelete:-) Luv this idea Yvonne.
ReplyDeletethese are lovely. The black and white gingham ribbon is the perfect finishing touch too. Hugs
ReplyDeleteWell great minds and all that, I did some white pumpkins too but yours are way cuter!
ReplyDeleteO M GEEE! That's the secret I have needed! I can't find a single white pumpkin around...you are a lifesaver, Yvonne!
ReplyDeleteLove this! The paint tips are great and using a real stem? You are so clever Yvonne.
ReplyDeletePumpkin Love Yvonne!! These are the CUTEST and your styling with the pumpkins and candy corn on your black bench makes me squeal with glee!
ReplyDeleteYvonne, they are darling and the gingham ribbon makes them perfect now:)
ReplyDeleteThese are so adorable Yvonne! I like them better in white for sure! Thank you for the great tutorial and for sharing them at the Fluster Buster party! You have a great weekend! Lizy party co host
ReplyDeleteI love this, they turned out beautiful! These would match my decor so much better than orange. Thanks for sharing at this weeks Creative Muster. Now that you found our party I hope that you'll continue to join us every Tuesday evening.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!! Covering with white paint gives so attractive look and easy project indeed. It is a great way to get kids involved in decorating. With a simple preparation, you can paint pumpkins without the mess. Thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of wax do you use?
ReplyDeleteThanks