Friday Fun-day: Paint a Pumpkin

Paint a Pumpkin

Posted by Roann Mathias

Fall is definitely here! There is a crispness in the air, and all the leaves are changing color. Plus, there are pumpkins everywhere! If you are thinking of getting some for your front porch or a table scape, you can involve your kids by decorating the pumpkins with paint. 
 
I did this with my toddler granddaughter. She was very excited because she got to use my grown-up brushes. This activity would be appropriate for any age. Older children’s fine motor skills will be more developed, and they can do more complex designs. 

Supplies:

Pumpkin
Acrylic paint
Brushes 
Paper plates
Plastic containers for water
Newspaper
Smock or large t-shirt
Line drawings of things you want to paint, if your child is old enough to do that. You can search Pinterest for line drawings or clip art and find anything that you want!
 
Method:
1.     Put on smock! We used an old t-shirt, and it covered her up. Acrylic paint won’t come out of clothing once it dries.
2.     Cover your work surface with the newspaper. I suggest using a few pieces of tape to hold it in place.
3.     Clean off the pumpkin if there is any dirt on it.
4.     Fill two containers with water and set to the side.
5.     If you are going to use a drawing, tape it to your pumpkin and trace over it with a pencil. It will leave an indentation on the pumpkin. 
6.     Choose the colors that you want. (If you don’t already have some paint on hand, you can get small bottles fairly cheaply at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.) Squeeze or pour out the colors onto the paper plates in separate piles. Wet your brush and start painting!
7.     Rinse the brushes when you change to a new color. 

8.  Tip: Let the pumpkin dry before you move it. 

This activity is perfect for a chilly fall afternoon. Your kids will feel a sense of pride every time they see what they created.