Thursday, September 6, 2012

Monogrammed Pumpkin



Materials Needed:

Pumpkin
Cream/Ivory Spray Paint (Flat or Satin)
Masking or Painters Tape
Transfer/Graphite Paper
Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Clear Spray Enamel (Optional)


**You can use a real pumpkin or a craft pumpkin for this project. (I used a fake one that I got a great deal on a few weeks ago.)

1.) Start by masking off your stem with masking or painters tape.

2.) Spray your pumpkin with a cream colored spray paint. This one was painted with  Krylon Almond in Satin. Try to avoid a gloss paint to keep it as realistic looking as possible. 
3.) Remove tape from stem after paint has dried completely.

4.) Next you are going to want to create the monogram you plan to use. Use the word processor program on your computer (Microsoft Works) to generate a monogram. This on  used a font called Ecolier. You will need to adjust your font size to get the size monogram you want.

** A little tip: Use the font options/effects to make your letter an outline to save ink from your printer. 

5.) Print your monogram.

6.) You will need black or gray graphite/transfer paper for the next step. You can purchase this in a office supply store or in the art section of your local craft store.

** If you do not have transfer paper, you can turn your monogram over and "color" on the backside of the paper with a soft lead pencil where your letter is located. This serves the same purpose as the transfer paper.
7.) Position the monogram where you'd like it on the pumpkin and tape in place with your transfer/graphite paper underneath the paper.

8.) Trace over the entire monogram.

9.) Next you are going to fill in the monogram with paint. 

You can use any acrylic paint. An opaque metallic paint by Modern Masters in English Brown was used on this one.

10.) This final step is optional. If your pumpkin will be in the elements, you will probably want to apply a clear sealant. I have tried MANY, and I personally like Rust-oleum's Crystal Clear Enamel. I have found it goes on the easiest and doesn't yellow over time. I did not apply the clear coat to mine since it was on a covered porch.
Voila! Your very own Monogrammed Pumpkin..