How to Use Pumpkin Painting Patterns

Get those pumpkins ready for Halloween this year by giving them a coat of paint. Consider painting pumpkins instead of carving a traditional jack-o'-lantern. Painting a pumpkin is a kid-friendly activity, requiring minimal adult supervision. This is an ideal activity for classrooms, after-school groups or even birthday parties. Use Halloween stencils to create festive holiday pumpkins, adding to the scary décor around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Halloween stencil
• Card stock
• Printer
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Pencil
• Dry-erase marker
• Acrylic paints
• Paint sealer
• Pumpkin

Instructions

1. Find a design. Several websites have pumpkin stencils available for free downloads. Select a design meeting your age level and abilities. Children should select simple stencil designs such as cats or bats. Consider a more intricate design if you're crafty or have time to dedicate to the project.

2. Prepare the pumpkin stencil. Print the stencil on card stock or a heavy paper. Make sure the design fits on the paper and is the appropriate size for the pumpkin. Cut out the stencil, carefully following the marked lines. Remember intricate designs such as a haunted house or Frankenstein are harder to cut.

3. Set up the pumpkin. Place the stencil on the pumpkin. Make sure the pumpkin is uniform in shape where the stencil is placed. This makes painting easier. Use masking tape to hold the stencil in place. Tape around the edges of the pumpkin stencil, but don't cover any of the design. Make sure the stencil is straight before tracing.

4. Outline the design. Use a pencil or dry-erase marker to trace the stencil onto the pumpkin. Mistakes happen, but they are easier to correct with a dry-erase marker and not as visible with a pencil. Start tracing at the top and work your way down or left and work your way right. Jumping around the design leads to missing lines in the traced outline. Make sure the entire stencil is traced before removing it from the pumpkin.

5. Paint the pumpkin. Use acrylic paints to paint the pumpkin. Allowing the paint to dry completely. Check for any missed spots. Apply a paint sealer when the painted pumpkin is completely dry. Paint sealers prevent the design from being chipped or scratched, allowing the painted pumpkin to last longer.

References

• Keep Kids Healthy
• Deco Art

Resources

• Printable Stencils
• Printable Stencils
• eHow Halloween Directory