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    Home » Crafts » Updated Dollar Store Pumpkins

    Updated Dollar Store Pumpkins

    Published by Gail | Published October 5, 2018 | Updated August 15, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Have you used dollar store pumpkins in your Fall decor? Have you painted them? You will love how rustic they look. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #upcycled #dollarstorepumpkins #painted via @repurposedlifeHave you used dollar store pumpkins in your Fall decor? Have you painted them? You will love how rustic they look. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #upcycled #dollarstorepumpkins #painted via @repurposedlife

    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. Winking smile

    dollar store pumpkins

    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)

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    how to whitewash dollar store pumpkins

    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

    remove foam stems

    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 to Dollar Store Pumpkins

    apply diluted school glue

    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.

    Pin it!

    Allow DIY Crackling to settle

    allow diy crackling medium to dry slightly

    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

    white wash diy crackle medium

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

    Set aside to dry – Watch the magic happen

    diy crackle whitewash dollar store pumpkin MyRepurposedLife

    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

    glue wooden branch stem to dollar store pumpkin

    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.

    See more fall decor ideas here

    Updated Dollar Store Pumpkins with Fall Decor

    painted crackled dollar store pumpkins fall decor MyRepurposedLife

    These inexpensive updated dollar store pumpkins are a perfect addition to your fall décor. I truly think adding the wooden stem really ups the game on this easy project! I’ve been using the DIY crackle technique for years, in fact I used it on this door bench project.

    I ran out of time and didn’t get to add my favorite Smoked Glaze to any of the pumpkins. If I do end up doing some, I’ll update this post with new pics! But for now, won’t you please hop over and visit my friends to see their fabulous projects?

    fun fall projects using dollar store items

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    Updated Dollar Store Pumpkins

    DIY Reverse Message Sequin Pillow

    Fairy Lantern in a Mason Jar

    Mod Podge Foam Pumpkins

    Fall Door Decor From Dollar Store Bowls

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    1. girlfromwva

      October 08, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      love the finish!

      Reply
    2. Debbie

      October 05, 2018 at 9:31 am

      Love these!! I'm an in a pumpkin mood and will be adding these to my to-do list!!
      pinned it so I can remember!

      Reply
    3. Jeanie Emmert

      October 05, 2018 at 7:51 am

      What a great idea to "crackle" the pumpkins - I would have never thought of that! Pinning!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 08, 2018 at 9:14 am

        Thanks Jeanie! I appreciate you stopping by.

        gail

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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