Are you a thrifter? Grab my free tips! Click Here!

Thrifted Filigree Pumpkin Update For Fall

October 03, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something via one of my links, I may make a small commission.

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.

Gold Metal Thrifted Pumpkin Update Pinterest Pin

Yes, yes, I have branched out a very few times to create ghost lanterns from old ceiling fan parts or adorable spooks from air dry clay.

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. 

21 Fall Pumpkin Crafts and DIYs collage photo

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.

Scrolled Metal Pumpkin Candle Holder

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.

Rusted Gold Filigree Metal Pumpkin with candle holder

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.

Deco Art Gloss Enamels In Gold To paint a metal pumpkin

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.

Using a foam pouncer to paint a gold metal pumpkin

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.

Unique Thrifted Pumpkin Makeover with gold paint

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.

Sealing A Metal Pumpkin Gold using a brush

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.

Metal Pumpkin Votive Holder with candle cup removed

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.

Gold Painted Metal Filigree Pumpkin Makeover on fireplace mantel

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.

Elegant Gold Illuminated Pumpkin Decor DIY

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!



Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 8 Comments

Hey~ before you go, let me know what you think!

I love comments and respond to them all.

*Please refer to our privacy policy if you have questions regarding your profile and note that comments with links will not be published.



  1. 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!

    I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  2. This 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh 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.

      Delete
  3. Oh my, I feel like it is a bit of Cinderella too. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh 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. ❤️

      Delete
  4. I love it! What a clever DIY!! - Briana from Texas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Briana!! I just loved the pattern!

      Delete