DIY Terracotta Pumpkin

Perfect Pottery Barn Dupe!

This terracotta pumpkin is such a fun, quick DIY that can make a big impact on your holiday décor!!

You can use this method to paint ANYTHING you want! I painted a ceramic pumpkin and then painted a cheap plastic skull head. *Hint: he no longer looks like cheap plastic!

I found my pumpkin at Marshall’s but I have linked some great similar options below!

Step 1: Mix your Paint

To get the terracotta color, I mixed orange, brown, and white paint. You can make your paint color darker by adding more brown or lighter by adding more white paint. I painted my pumpkin a bit darker and then made my skull a much lighter color.

Once you have the color mixed to your liking then stir some baking soda into your paint. The baking soda will give the textured terracotta finish.

Step 2: Paint your Pumpkin

Once you have your perfect paint mixed, use a sponge brush to paint. For your first layer just work to brush your paint on. Don’t worry too much if there are spots still showing through, they will cover with your second coat. Allow your first coat to dry.

For your second coat, you will want to work more in a dapping motion versus brushing on. The dapping creates a rough texture.

Allow your pumpkin to set and dry for a little, but not all the way!

Step 3: Dust with Flour

While your pumpkin is still wet, dust the pumpkin with flour. Then use a dry paint brush to dust the flour around the pumpkin and then to remove any excess.

Dusting with flour is optional, this step creates the aged terracotta look but if that is not the look you want then you can skip this step!