How To Make A Country Bumpkin Pumpkin

While some people prefer to be elbow-deep in pumpkin guts, I thought I'd try a little something different from carving this Halloween. So I thought to myself, why not use some spray paint?

After picking the perfect pumpkin from Styer Orchard, I decided to take a look at my crafting supply chest and see what I could create with what I already had in stock. I wanted something country chic, something vintage-inspired, something classic. 

Supplies Used:

• Rust-oleum Paint and Primer Spray in Navajo White
• Rust-oleum Spray Grip
• Tiger Bond Extreme Adhesive
• Burlap Ribbon
• Jute 
• Small Wooden Letters
• Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer 
• Latex Gloves 

So I spray painted that pumpkin white. Note that I protected the stem with painter's tape (since I had something crafty in mind for that later). I also ended up doing a light second coat to touch up a few flaws, but was otherwise pretty pleased with the color.

After ample drying time, the pumpkin was ready for some shabby embellishments. I chose a wrap of burlap ribbon for the pumpkin itself, and a wrap of jute for the stem. Believe it  or not, the tiny wooden letters were an afterthought---but one I really like. 

I used Tiger Bond to adhere the burlap to the pumpkin, the letters to the burlap, and to secure the jute wrap to the stem. While at first, the glue seems pliable, Tiger Bond dries to a tight, permanent hold. So, be careful not to glue yourself...to yourself. And protect your working space with wax paper, aluminum foil, or old newspapers.

After all of your decorative additions are dry and secure, try using a light spray of Mod Podge or other brand of protective sealant to better hold everything together, and to keep your design shiny and new. 

Looking for a pumpkin design to use beyond Halloween? Why not try using an autumnal color palette, colorful Fall leaves coated in sealant, or vintage buttons as accents?

As for me, I think I'll keep this one around for a while! 

Let's Get Crafting: A Wicker Shelf Makeover

Back in April, I was fortunate to attend the Bagels and Bargains event at Impact Thrift. I won a $25 gift certificate and brought home this cream-colored wicker shelf, among other vintage goodies....for free!

Freshly inspired by the event hostess, Denise Sabia of The Painted Home blog, I embarked on my very first DIY craft makeover.

So how did I transform this very basic, bland shelf into a display piece and functional homage to foreign travel?

First, I hit the Home Depot for the supplies...a plastic tarp to protect my lawn, an all-purpose indoor/outdoor primer and a can of the brightest, boldest pop of color I could think of. For this project, I went with Rust-oleum Deep Blue in a gloss finish.

It wasn't long before I learned that the elements were not my friends. Come rainclouds, wind and high pollen...nothing wanted to cooperate on a schedule that worked for me. But finally, after finding the ideal time for priming and two coats of spray paint, I was ready to take my wicker shelf to the next level.

And the next level involved recycled maps, Mod Podge, ribbon and more than a bit of patience. 

My main takeaway in making a decoupage from my beloved maps of Japan is this: The thinner the paper, the least amount of Mod Podge needed. I  just went Mod Podge mad, slapping that  wacky adhesive all over the place. This made it  quite difficult to get the creases and wrinkles rolled flat. 

So, if you're a first-time decoupage DIY-er like I was, go light on the Mod Podge. Let it dry between layers and just roll on. 

Literally, roll on. You should have seen how messy my first attempt was prior to busting out the sponge roller.  But with the time and the patience, I made it work. 

I even made the bold decision to add some sparkle to the top of the piece, after  decoupaging two heart-shaped maps of the Tokyo metro line. I sealed the secondhand deal with Mod Podge High Gloss Acrylic spray, and stopped to admire the finished product. 

It didn't take long for me to realize that the entire project, step-by-step, was a true learning process. Mistakes were made, ones that I made a mental note not to repeat in the future if I can help it. Case in point, the Mod Podge mess.  But don't let me dissuade you from venturing on your own thrift DIY makeover. Plan out a project. Gather the supplies and get to it! It really can be a fun process once you get your hands dirty with all the paper scraps, glue and glitter. 

In the end I really love how this project came together. It's bright, colorful and it reminds me of a time when I felt most adventurous in my life. 

It's not perfect. But, hey. It's me. 

Tools Used:
Rust-oleaum Primer
Rust-oleum Gloss Spray Paint in Deep Blue
Sponge Applicators and brushes
Ruler
Fabric scissors
Exacto Knife
Sparkle Mod Podge
Mod Podge Gloss
Mod Podge High Gloss Acrylic Sealer
Mod Podge heart stencil
5/8" black ribbon with white trim
Recycled maps of Japan
And of course...
**Safety goggles, gloves and ventilated face mask for painting**

What craft project are you planning?