Painted PumpkinsNo. 2419 · The 2026 edition
Easily Craft a Folk Art Pumpkin
Turn a plain pumpkin into a vibrant folk art masterpiece with just paint and markers!
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at hgtv.com.
This easy project transforms a pumpkin into a colorful folk art piece. Paint it white, sketch a freehand or transferred design, then fill it in with permanent markers. Add shading and details to bring the design to life.
You'll need
Directions
- Apply two coats of white acrylic craft paint to your pumpkin using a 1-1/2 inch flat brush. Let each coat dry completely before adding the next. If you prefer, spray paint works as an alternative.
- Lightly sketch a loose folk art design on the pumpkin with a pencil. If freehand isn't your thing, use the provided template and graphite transfer paper to trace the patterns. Rotate the template and repeat until the pumpkin is covered. For more variety, print the template at different sizes.
- Color in the penciled design using colorful permanent markers. Use lots of different colors—the busier and fuller the design, the better it will look. If kids are helping, have them wear art smocks because permanent marker can stain clothing.
- Add extra details and shading by filling in outlined areas with a lighter shade of the same color. Step back occasionally to check if the overall look matches what you want.
More photos
Photos hosted by hgtv.com.