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Stunning DIY Terracotta Pumpkins in 3 Easy Steps

Sep 27, 2024 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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terracotta jack o lanterns

Make a Pottery Barn dupe for fall with these easy DIY terracotta pumpkins that only use a few simple supplies.

What better way to bring the essence of fall into your home than by creating your own Pottery Barn terracotta pumpkins? In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to transform simple plastic pumpkins into beautiful fall decorations. From gathering materials to displaying your handmade pumpkins, we've got you covered with all you need to know. Get ready to add a touch of autumn magic to your home with these charming faux terra cotta pumpkins.

How to Make Terracotta Pumpkins in 3 Easy Steps

Gather Materials

First, before you start you will want to gather your supplies needed for this easy DIY project.

Transforming plastic pumpkins
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Supplies:

  • Plastic jack-o-lanterns
  • Acrylic paint - pick up at your local craft store or use what you have
  • Paint brush
  • Baking soda

Once you have all your materials ready, you can move on to this step-by-step tutorial below.

Step 1: Preparing the Pumpkins

The first step is to prepare your pumpkins. These can be store-bought pumpkins, pumpkins purchased at your local thrift store, or pumpkins you have laying around in your holiday bin. It doesn't matter what you use as long as it has a plastic surface.

Prepare the pumpkins for painting. Clean them thoroughly to ensure a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

Step 2: Painting the Base Layer

Now comes the exciting part - painting your faux pumpkin! For this Pottery Barn terracotta pumpkin dupe, you'll want to find the right paint colors to create a nice terracotta paint shade. I mixed an acrylic brown, yellow and white paint to get the perfect terracotta color. But you can buy a terracotta colored acrylic paint too.

These pumpkins specifically use a lighter color to look similar to terracotta. However, I have also done a knock off for the charcoal gray pumpkin version here and it is stunning with a beautiful matte finish!

Once you have your paint ready, use a dry paintbrush and paint your first coat over the entire pumpkin. Let it completely dry.

Painting terracotta pumpkins for fall

Step 3: Add Baking Soda for DIY Terracotta Pumpkins

Once the first coat is dry, it is time to add a second coat of paint and create the terra cotta look. For the final step, begin applying your coat of wet paint. However, this time you will dump baking soda onto the pumpkin as you go. Add a little paint, then add a little baking soda.

Adding terra cotta coating to painted pumpkins

When adding the baking soda during this process, paint with more of a patting motion. The baking soda is what will give you the nice terracotta texture over the entire surface. Continue this process until the whole pumpkin is covered and let it dry.

Pottery Barn dupe with Painted terracotta pumpkins

Displaying Your Handmade DIY Terracotta Pumpkins

When it comes to displaying your handmade pumpkins, the possibilities are endless. One thing that I love about these lookalike Pottery Barn pumpkins is that they are versatile for decorations.

terracotta jack o lanterns

Indoor Decorating

For indoor decor, consider arranging them on a mantle, coffee table, or as a centerpiece for your dining table. Mix and match different sizes and colors to create visual interest for the fall season. You can also place them on a tiered tray or an open shelf to add height and dimension to your fall display.

terracotta jack o lanterns

Exterior Decorating

If you're looking to showcase your pumpkins outdoors, group them together on your front porch or patio for a welcoming touch, like how I did with my black pumpkins here. An easy way may be to arrange them on a wooden crate or stack them in a vintage wheelbarrow for a rustic look. You could even hang them from a tree using twine for a whimsical display, or place them along a porch railing.

terracotta jack o lanterns
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No matter how you choose to display your own DIY terracotta pumpkins, they are sure to add a festive and handmade touch to your fall decor. Get creative and enjoy showcasing this fun fall craft for all to appreciate.

terracotta jack o lanterns

Charcoal Terracotta Pumpkins

Another fun and creative project I tackled was making charcoal terracotta pumpkins. These adorable pumpkins are perfect for adding a chic, spooky vibe to your Halloween decor.

terracotta jack o lanterns

By painting simple plastic pumpkins with a rich, dark charcoal color and adding a texture. You can give them a modern and eerie twist that stands out among the usual orange and black decorations. The deep, moody hue creates a striking contrast, adding a sophisticated yet playful element to your Halloween setup. Plus, they’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and look fantastic grouped together on a mantel or porch!

terracotta jack o lanterns

DIY Pottery Barn Pumpkin

Transforming simple plastic pumpkins into stunning terracotta pumpkins has never been easier! By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can elevate your home decor with beautiful options of handmade charm and autumnal flair. Impress your guests and create a festive atmosphere in your home this fall with these adorable pumpkins.

Happy Decorating!

Brooke

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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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