If you’re looking for a fun and easy fall craft activity to help your kids or your friends tap into their creative side, I’ve got just the one for you. And the best part is that it only requires a few items, and you may already have several of them in your home.
Simple steps for how to make adorable decoupage – napkin pumpkins.
1 Gather your supplies.
All you need is a crafting pumpkin from a craft store. You can buy one in any light color or paint an artificial pumpkin a white or light color of your choice. I have used cream-colored ones and have also painted over the light brown ones. (Use whatever craft paint you have – I prefer chalk paint.) Craft pumpkins come in many different shapes and sizes, so choose your favorite.
You’ll also need some fun fall paper napkins (I recommend 2-ply for better quality). Kids may enjoy scary ones and adults may opt for cuter or fancier designs. These can easily be found at dollar stores, big box retailers, and on Amazon.
The only other items you need are a glossy varnish like Mod Podge or a clear, high gloss varnish, along with a small paintbrush.
2 Paint, cut, and varnish!
Once you’ve painted your pumpkin and let it dry, or you bought it the color you want, peel apart your 2-ply napkins so that you are only using the outer/colorful layer. Cut around your designs so that you have small pieces that are easier to apply with your varnish. Paint on a thin layer of varnish, adhere the napkin pieces over that, and apply another coat of varnish over the top. If your pumpkin is ridged, be sure to gently push the napkin down into the ridges as you paint the varnish over it.
Decoupage pumpkins usually take just an hour to be touch dry, but to make sure the surface has fully ‘cured’ and there is a glossy hard finish, it’s best to let them sit for a full 24 hours before handling and decorating with them.
3 Embellish the top if you want.
To add a finishing touch to your decoupage pumpkin, you can add on a ribbon bow or some artificial flowers and/or greenery around the stem. You can find inexpensive floral picks at craft or dollar stores, and just hot glue them to the stem base.
That’s all there is to it!
So, have a girls’ night in getting crafty with your gal pals or keep your kids busy and away from screens for a while with this easy craft activity. No knives needed and no messy seeds or slimy goop to clean up! These pumpkins make fantastic décor for your home, or fun gifts for friends, grandparents, or hosts of fall holiday parties that you attend. The best part is that they can be re-used year after year. Have fun getting creative!
For more decoupage-napkin pumpkin decorating ideas and tips, check out these sites:
https://www.thepondsfarmhouse.com/how-to-napkin-decoupage-pumpkins/
https://easycraftypattern.com/easy-decoupage-pumpkin-with-napkins/
https://thistlewoodfarms.com/simple-and-easy-diy-floral-pumpkin/