Updated Dollar Store Pumpkins

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It’s time for the Dollar Store Design Squad to share great ideas with you from the Dollar Store. I’m sharing my updated dollar store pumpkins. I originally painted these pumpkins a couple of years ago, but I’m going to try updating them with my favorite glazing technique. Those who know me well, know I love using this glaze.

I started with three styrofoam pumpkins from the Dollar Tree.

Materials to update dollar store pumpkins

Styrofoam pumpkins
School glue
Whitewash paint (latex paint diluted with water)
Small branches from your yard
Paint brush
Glaze (optional)

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I like to keep a separate can of off-white paint diluted slightly with water. Keeping a can of whitewash paint handy, really cuts down on prep time for me. You can use any paint can-just clean it out and add a little white paint and water. Seal when not in use and voila! You’re always ready to slap some whitewash on any project. My favorite tool for whitewashing is a cheap chip brush. I like the way the paint goes on and the brush cleans up quick and easy for the next project.

Remove Foam Stems from Pumpkins

The foam stems won’t be needed, so remove them from the pumpkins and choose a few small branches from your yard.

Apply DIY Crackling Medium

It’s best to dilute your school glue with just a bit of water to make a crackling product. The small branch is oh so handy to suspend the pumpkin to make it easy to work with. Apply a light coat of the DIY crackling medium all over the pumpkin using the chip brush. I’ve been using this technique with the glue for years, check out this Winter Window Project.

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Allow DIY Crackling to settle

The goal is to allow the DIY crackling medium to dry slightly. If the glue solution dries too much, you won’t get a good crackling look. But, you don’t want the paint to move the glue solution around when you paint on the whitewash paint.

My friend Kim does great things with cheap foam pumpkins, be sure to check them out.

Whitewash DIY Crackle Pumpkins

Use diluted latex paint, as a whitewash over the crackled pumpkins.

Set aside to dry – Watch the magic happen

As the whitewash paint dries on the pumpkin, you will see the magic start to happen. No two projects will be alike. After you apply the diy crackle medium and the whitewash paint, the rest is just like magic!

Glue on wooden tree branch stem

I prefer using Gorilla Wood Glue, you could probably use some of the school glue (undiluted) for this step. Break off a small piece of one of your tree branches, push one end into the foam pumpkin. Pull the stem back out, apply some glue and push the stem back into the divot you made. For best results, allow ample time for this glue to set up.