When it comes to fall decor, I seem to stick to the basics.
And by the basics, I mean pumpkins.
I guess you could call me a traditionalist, but that's just what makes me smile.
I've whipped up a black cat and, most recently, a creepy little spider sign.
However, on the whole, I'm all about those pumpkins.
Real, faux, large or small. I've made them out of puzzle pieces, painted them, stenciled them and stickered them, stuffed them and thrifted them.
Just about the only thing I haven't done is baked them. Definitely not my jam.
Anyway...I have so many of these crafty DIYs that I compiled a list.
I share all 21 of my pumpkin creations right here, if you'd like to take a peek.
Of course, today's pumpkin isn't on that list. Yet.
So I'll share the skinny now.
And it's all about this fabulously unique, metal filigree pumpkin I found at a thrift store a few weeks ago.
Summer was still in full swing, so this little charmer had a 50% off yellow sticker on it, which made it about five bucks.
A total steal.
Yes, it was a little beaten up.
A little dirty and very rusty, but I loved its romantic old world vibe and dainty details.
The fact that it was a votive holder was a just a bonus, since I'm all about light once the sun starts to set early.
Now, when I purchased this particular pumpkin, I had no plans to make it over. I loved its original patina.
Unfortunately, once I got it home I realized that every time I touched it, the finish came off on my fingers, in a gritty powder.
That was not good.
So I had to put my thinking cap on. I immediately considered spray painting it a traditional pumpkin or gourd color.
Orange, green, white...the usual suspects.
But something kept pulling me back to that brass tone. It's my latest obsession.
It was so rich and I didn't own any gold pumpkins.
So I decided rather than giving it a complete makeover, I would simply refresh it, with a bit of this metallic acrylic paint.
It took a little time, since there was so much detail work to cover. Plus I didn't want to rush it and end up with drips or globs on some of the tiny scrolls.
Especially since the inside of the pumpkin was visible. Messy painting was not an option.
I found that stamping it with a round, foam stencil pouncer like this one provided the best coverage.
I used a long, thin brush to get to some very obvious areas on the votive cup. Overall, though, the inside was in decent shape, so I left it alone.
Once the paint, inside and out, was totally dry, I used a brush and applied a coat of this satin sealer over the entire piece.
I did have to clean up some of the drips on the inside with a paper towel, but it wasn't a big deal.
When all was said and done, it was time to consider my display.
I thought about placing a battery operated votive candle inside the pumpkin, but the removable cup was only large enough to hold a tealight.
I was looking to make a bigger a statement, so I put the candle cup in a drawer for safe keeping, placed this votive with a timer on a brass candle stand and popped my new gold treasure on top.
And it was stunning.
Honestly, the photos don't do it justice. In person it's breathtaking.
It sort of glows with a regal elegance.
It's so lovely, in fact, I wish I had more, because it looks great no matter where I set it down.
A fabulous, filigree, five dollar - unexpected - addition to my very fall pumpkin patch.
Hmm...turns out, maybe I'm not that traditional after all.
😉
What is your go to decor for fall?
Happy Fall, Y'all!
That was not good.
So I had to put my thinking cap on. I immediately considered spray painting it a traditional pumpkin or gourd color.
Orange, green, white...the usual suspects.
But something kept pulling me back to that brass tone. It's my latest obsession.
It was so rich and I didn't own any gold pumpkins.
So I decided rather than giving it a complete makeover, I would simply refresh it, with a bit of this metallic acrylic paint.
Especially since the inside of the pumpkin was visible. Messy painting was not an option.
I found that stamping it with a round, foam stencil pouncer like this one provided the best coverage.
I used a long, thin brush to get to some very obvious areas on the votive cup. Overall, though, the inside was in decent shape, so I left it alone.
Once the paint, inside and out, was totally dry, I used a brush and applied a coat of this satin sealer over the entire piece.
I did have to clean up some of the drips on the inside with a paper towel, but it wasn't a big deal.
When all was said and done, it was time to consider my display.
I thought about placing a battery operated votive candle inside the pumpkin, but the removable cup was only large enough to hold a tealight.
I was looking to make a bigger a statement, so I put the candle cup in a drawer for safe keeping, placed this votive with a timer on a brass candle stand and popped my new gold treasure on top.
And it was stunning.
It sort of glows with a regal elegance.
It's so lovely, in fact, I wish I had more, because it looks great no matter where I set it down.
Hmm...turns out, maybe I'm not that traditional after all.
😉
What is your go to decor for fall?
Happy Fall, Y'all!
That is so beautiful Kim! It likely landed in the thrift store because of the fact it shed so a talented person like you could find it and fix that little flaw!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you've made so many pumpkins; that really puts me to shame; I'm only on number two so I've got some catching up to do lol. Gotta keep my eyes open in the thrifts store for a filigree one too if I could be so lucky!
You're probably right, Sara! I never thought about that, but yes it shed like nuts. Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad I found it, because it's definitely making me smile this fall.
DeleteThis is gorgeous and I'm envious. I need a filigree pumpkin now! Please send thrifting to NJ. I'm going to have to get back out there to the only thrifting spot we have. Problem, it's an hour drive so a bit of a bummer. It's not a pretty drive either.
ReplyDeleteOh Cindy, I wish you could come thrifting with me! We'd have so much fun and in my tiny area we could hit a bunch and then go have lunch.
DeleteOh my, I feel like it is a bit of Cinderella too. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh Carla!! YES! You know that never even dawned on me, but Cinderella has been my favorite princess movie since I was little. I had the book on record (totally dating myself) and I would listen and sing along. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to this golden charmer. ❤️
DeleteI love it! What a clever DIY!! - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Briana!! I just loved the pattern!
DeleteYou've done it again! The paint you chose really makes it pop and it's classy like the filagree pattern. I think putting it on the candle stand really sets it off. Love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Mari! Thanks so much. This was a really unique find, so I'm glad I could do it justice. I hope you've had a great day!
DeleteGreat find, Kim and I'm so glad you didn't paint it orange. This is a much better choice and I love how it sits on that little pedestal!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I really did want to salvage the finish if I could. I’m glad you think it was the right choice.
DeleteOh my gosh how pretty this came out. What a steal too. You have vision and could this easily transformed. Happy Friday and have a great weekend. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! I had fun with this one since all it needed was a quick and easy touch up! Thanks for the visit, my friend!!
DeleteIt`s absolutely magical and beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marilyn! I couldn't pass it up!
DeleteWOW!! That truly is just stunning!! I bet it is drop dead gorgeous in person! LOVE IT!!! I think I am all caught up now and I have thoroughly enjoyed spending this time going through your posts...I needed some puppy loving this weekend so my grand pups spent the night and are sleeping on each side of me...I think they may be catching up on 9 months of sleep since the twins were born!! LOL! I hope you have a great weekend!!! And thanks again for ALL your visits and kind words!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
It's really, really pretty in person, Deb! You are so right. It's often hard to catch that glimmer on camera, but it's truly very elegant. That's adorable about the pups. I bet they're thrilled to be spending time with grandma...and being spoiled! Thanks for the visit!
DeleteKim, love your filigree pumpkin. It looks so elegant. Great job. I am happy to feature it at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! I am truly honored!!
DeleteOoooh Kim, I LOVE how the filigree pumpkin turned out!!! I’m so glad you went with the brass paint color. It's so perfect on the candle stand and with the bigger votive. It reminds me of Cinderella’s pumpkin coach. I want one!
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny, Kitty, Cinderella was always my favorite princess and yet that never dawned on me...now it's all I can see!! I hope you find one of your own for a little elegant fall decor!
DeleteAbsolutely love this! It really does bring to mind Cinderella. Thanks so much for sharing the process. We are expecting some cooler weather this weekend so I will be thrifting with eyes peeled for something similar.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find one similar to display in your home, Denise! Thank you so much for the visit and taking time to comment! It really made my day! Happy Fall!
DeleteThat pumpkin is fah-bulous, dah-ling! That exact gold paint has been kind of an obsession with me these past few months, and it was perfect for your pumpkin project! Love it!
ReplyDelete"Fah-bulous dah-ling" ...oh my goodness, as an avid old movie fan, I love it!! Thank you!! I'm smitten with gold lately, too!! Glad to know I'm not alone!! Woot!!
DeleteWhat an absolutely gorgeous find. Now you've got me wanting one too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle!! I almost fell off my chair when I saw it in the store and the price tag...I couldn't believe no one else scooped it up!!
DeleteI saw something similar at Home Sense....it was $40...it stayed there.
ReplyDeleteOmigoodness, Margie!! $40! I believe it, but I wouldn't have paid that either!! Thank goodness for thrift stores. Hahaha!!
Delete