DIY One-Step Terracotta Pumpkin

Have you witnessed the sold-out terracotta pumpkin craze this year? If you haven't, it is the must-have of the season this Fall. The problem is my decorating budget, and living with young boys negates the chance of purchasing the pricey and breakable options available at retailers. So, when I found some cheap plastic pumpkins at Five Below, TJ Maxx, and Ross, I couldn't wait to transform them into faux terracotta cuties.

My helper!

There are numerous fabulous tutorials online, like this one at Well She Tried. They show you how to get a thick, texturized surface, and I am in love with how their pumpkins turned out.

I needed a method that is quick, inexpensive, and doesn't require the extra mess of mixing paint colors, baking soda, plaster, or flour.

I do provide optional instructions for adding a thickener if you prefer a more textured finish.

I look forward to sharing this fun and cute craft with you below.

But before we continue, I must ask you, are you Falloween Jesus? I am a Christian writer and Youth Director. This blog is a tiny slice of heaven, all about living the transparent life of an imperfect, beautifully redeemed soul. I am deeply in love with Jesus, and I pray that you, too, may fall in love with Him. Christ knows you, loves you, and adores every little thing about you. Please check out some of my devotionals and other articles, all written to glorify God and spread the message that it is never too late to Fall in Love with Jesus.

Supplies Needed:

• Plastic or ceramic pumpkin

• FolkArt Terracotta Paint in your choice of color (I bought mine at Hobby Lobby)

• Foam Paint Brush

• Primer (optional)

• Additional thickener, like baking soda (optional)

This DIY Faux Terracotta Pumpkin craft is a one-step project (painting) if you don't use the optional steps of priming or adding additional baking soda. I didn't prime mine or add baking soda for more texture, and I love how they turned out.

I used the Pueblo color and only one coat on the large lit pumpkin. I used two coats of Clay Pot, Pueblo, and Cool Concrete on the stackable pumpkins from Five Below.

So many fun colors available on Amazon and local craft stores.

You can definitely use other plastic or ceramic decorations, such as ghosts or bats, if you want to try something different than pumpkins. I have the sweetest terracotta ghosts.

Tips for Creating Your Terracotta Pumpkin Dupe:

1. Shake the paint well and pour a small amount into a plastic cup or onto a disposable plate for easy cleanup. A little goes a long way with this paint.

2. If you plan to place your pumpkins outside, I recommend priming the pumpkins first. The FolkArt Terracotta Paint is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use; however, if the plastic pumpkin is left in the rain or sun for an extended period without primer, it will eventually chip and peel.

3. The FolkArt Terracotta paint has a slightly textured finish. For a more textured surface, add a little baking soda to your paint.

4. Start painting your first coat. I used a foam paintbrush, but any paintbrush will work. The fantastic part is that you can be an awful painter, like me, and these will still turn out amazing. This project is all about imperfection.

5. Allow the first coat to dry for at least an hour, then apply a second coat if desired.

Getting started with one coat of Pueblo using vertical strokes with a foam paintbrush.

Cutie helping his momma.

In love with how this pumpkin turned out.

First coat of paint. No primer.

Two coats of Terracotta paint on the $7 Five Below Stackables. I plan to add a 3rd coat with baking soda mixed in to add more texture.

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For more Halloween inspiration, check out 10 Ways to Make Your Trunk-or-Treat Epic.

I bet you'll love the Free You've Been Boo'd by Jesus Printables!