Stamped & Decoupage Pumpkins!

It's officially Fall so in my book that means it's time to start decorating for Halloween!!!!

Woo Hooo!!!!

Last year around Halloween I saw some awesome pumpkins that were decorated by some very patient person.  She had painted a cool looking flourish, paisley, damask pattern on her pumpkin....using a stencil!!! No freakin' way!  That takes WAY too much time so I was determined to figure out an easier way to do it.

Stamped and Decoupage

Decorated Pumpkins

Supplies:

White or Orange Pumpkins
White Paint (optional)
Decoupage Medium
Rubber Stamps
Archival Ink
Napkins

Instructions:

NOTE: This technique works best with white pumpkins...now I don't know how much the white pumpkins are in your area but in mine the white pumpkins are 2-3x's more expensive than regular orange ones.  Personally I think with a bit of time and white paint I can buy the orange one ;)  LOL!!

1. (optional) If you're working with a white pumpkin you can skip this step.  Wipe off your pumpkin so there is no dust, dirt or debris left anywhere on the pumpkin... This is very important to achieve a good coat of paint.

2. (optional) Paint your pumpkin with white acrylic paint and let it dry completely. I used my heat tool to speed drying.  I applied only one coat and it covered pretty good.  I'm sure this will depend on the brand of paint you use but if nec. you can add a second coat.

3. Stamp desired image(s) and/or sentiments on tissue paper.  It is important that you use Archival or Staz-On type inks since we will be using decoupage mediums.

4. Apply a layer of collage medium (I am using Collage Pague) to the pumpkin where you want your stamped image.

5. Gently place the tissue paper over the collage medium and paint a second layer over the napkin to secure.  Smooth any wrinkles with a brush or your finger which is wet with collage medium.   DO NOT over work your tissue paper once it has been applied to the pumpkin.  Once it is wet it will be very fragile!!!!  It can tear easily and could ruin the design.

Here is what your pumpkin will look like at this point.  Don't worry that your image looks a bit cloudy...it will dry clear.

Now, to finish decorating the pumpkin we're going to use napkins! 

You will need to peel the excess white layers of napkin away from the printed layer.  Don't throw these extra layers away...you can keep these white sheets for clean up.

6. Apply a nice layer of collage medium to one side of the pumpkin...

7. Gently drape the napkin over the glue.  Begin to smooth and apply a layer of collage medium to the napkin.  Just like the stamped image you don't want to over work the napkin as it will be very fragile once wet!

8. Continue adding additional glue/napkins until the entire pumpkin has been covered.  Set aside and let the pumpkin dry completely!

I will be back tomorrow to show you the finished stamped and decoupaged pumpkins! 

I hope you stop back in and check em out!