DIY gingham + plaid pumpkins

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It’s halfway through September and this may be my last pumpkin DIY for the year. Crazy right? 

I wanted to keep things simple in the autumn department this season, just adding a few fall colors and patterns here and there. So, I had to try creating some plaid and gingham patterned pumpkins — my newest obsession.

Let’s jump right into it!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

PUMPKINS (REAL OR FAUX) | PAINT | PAINTBRUSH

HOW TO

1. Prep your pumpkins!
   
   For the real pumpkin I painted, the paint kept peeling with each additional layer even after ample drying time. So, I wiped all of the paint off and used a spray primer to coat the surface. This was magic! The paint was able to stick to the primer and allowed each layer to go on smooth. I’ve heard others have also had success with using a sealant for the base coat.
   
   For the faux pumpkins, I didn’t need to prep them in anyway, they were ready for paint!
   
   
2. Now you can start painting. Apply the base color and make sure you let each layer dry before moving on.
   
   
3. Next, paint the vertical lines in your color of choice. Use the natural segments in the pumpkins to your advantage!
   
   
4. Paint the horizontal lines the same color and roughly the same width as the vertical lines. Don’t worry, they don’t need to be perfect!
   
   
5. At any spot where your two lines intersect, paint this section a shade or two darker. This will create the gingham look. You can choose to stop here or you can keep adding lines for an all-over plaid look.
   
   
6. With my real pumpkin and three taller faux pumpkins, I decided to add a few more lines to create the more plaid-patterned look. I painted horizontal and vertical lines in different colors than previously used and spread these lines out a little more than the original gingham pattern lines. I didn’t darken any crossing sections for this part.
   
   There are so many different ways you can create a plaid pattern and I love that! Find some inspiration and get crafting!

PIN IT FOR LATER!