Wow oh Wow…I love these gilded pumpkins…this has to be one of the greatest autumnal decorating ideas ever! Okay, I am a little carried away, but decorators, DIYers, creatives and decorative painters the world over should be putting together a display for their living spaces. It is really quite simple to gild (apply gold leaf) a pumpkin. However, you might just want to spray paint them if glue and gold leaf are a little out of your realm of possibilities!!!
A front entrance speaks of sophistication and fun when a few gilded pumpkins are placed strategically. But don’t stop with the pumpkins…you can gild plant pots, faux fruit and veggies, benches and much more. Just use your imagination and let me know what you gild by leaving a comment and a link below!!!
In the fall of 2008, Country Living magazine featured these beautiful photos and article by my friend Carol Kemery, decorative painter, nurse and owner of Caromal Colours…a paint company that allows homeowners to do decorative painting on their own, including the GILDING project featured here.
TECHNIQUE HOW-TO ~ Polk Dot Pumpkin:
Step 1
For real or faux pumpkins, be sure surface is clean and dry. Wearing gloves, apply base coat of paint (color of your choice) with a paintbrush to seal the surface. Let dry for 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 2
Position stickers on pumpkin, then apply “the sticky size” over entire surface, including stickers. Leave alone until it’s clear and tacky, 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 3
Apply gold and silver leaf. Broken pieces of metal leaf, called Schaibin, lie easily on the pumpkin for a beautiful finish. With a soft cloth, smooth leaf onto surface to fill in gaps. Keep excess leaf for the next project.
Step 4
Carefully pull off stickers using tweezers.
Step 5
Apply the toner color with a paintbrush. Using a soft cloth, wipe away the toner to achieve the desired color. Leave the toner darker around the stem or in crevices for a more dramatic effect.
for step-by-step pictures visit Country Living
Deb says
Gorgeous!! I want some for my porch 🙂
Sara @ Mom Endeavors says
Sooooo pretty!! Love these! Just pinned it! 🙂
Amy says
I love them…so pretty and perfect for fall.
Ellen Christian says
How cute! Want to make some for me?
Courtney Velasquez says
So gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christy @ Insanity Is Not An Option says
BE-A-U-TI-FUL!
diane says
Beautiful! I am SOOO not a decorator! I think you need to give lessons!
Natalie Z says
You never cease to amaze me with how easy you make being creative seem! I love the elegant look of these pumpkins!
Rebecca E. Parsons says
Elle: I would love to make some with you!!! XOXOX
Rebecca E. Parsons says
I amaze myself sometime XOXOX
Rebecca E. Parsons says
come make some with me!! XOXOX
Rebecca E. Parsons says
thank you
Rebecca E. Parsons says
they are amazing to look at!!! XOXOX
Rebecca E. Parsons says
thank you Courtney XOXOX
Rebecca E. Parsons says
thanks sparkles XOXOX
Rebecca E. Parsons says
i do give lessons :}} XOXOX
Tricia Night owl Mama says
that is so very creative I love it.
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles says
Those are terrific! A classy yet festive take on Halloween and Fall. Thanks!