Painting Gourds

Craft: Glitter Gourd Ghouls

When I see gourds, I definitely think of fall, so when a friend gave me a bag of odd-shaped miniature gourds, I saw a whimsical Halloween craft. With a little bit of paint and lots of "bling" in the form of glitter, I crafted faux-sugared pumpkins and ghosts.

These charming Halloween ornies, bowl fillers or "treats" can be handed out to friends and co-workers this season. Any shape gourd will work for this craft. Some of the gourds I had seemed perfect for ghosts and others for pumpkins, but even with one shape, you can make both Halloween characters.

Approximate Time: 1 to 2 hours, includes drying time

Supplies:

• miniature dried gourds
• orange acrylic paint
• white acrylic paint
• black acrylic paint
• black paint pen
• paint brushes
• Mod Podge
• clear crystal or iridescent glitter
• ribbon and hot glue (optional)

Instructions:

1. Paint each gourd using either orange or white acrylic paint. Some of my gourds had stems, while others did not. I chose not to paint the stems. I just thought they looked more natural that way. Paint two coats for complete coverage.
2. Use a black paint marker and black acrylic paint to make faces on the pumpkins and ghosts.
3. Completely cover the surface of your painted gourds with Mod Podge. While the Mod Podge is still wet, sprinkle clear crystal or iridescent glitter over the gourds. I used both by mixing them together. Shake off the excess and allow them to dry. There is no need to buy several colors of glitter for this project.
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4. If using the Halloween gourds for ornies, make a loop with ribbon and hot glue it to the top or tie it to a stem.

By Cyndee from Winfield, KS

Tip: Drying and Painting Gourds

Connie

September 23, 2009

Purchase small gourds to use this year and then allow them to dry for next year. Small gourds take several months to dry so better get started now.

Tip: Transforming Gourds Into Elegant Decor

Ana
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 140 Posts

December 12, 2018

I have a few gourds left over from my fall/Thanksgiving decor. They are in great shape and can last almost forever!

Tip: Gourd Angels

sheri sykes

March 24, 2008

Pick your gourds, wash in dish soap and bleach, let dry, about an hour. Pick which colors of acrylic paint you want to use on the dress, and skin tone for the face and you are ready to paint. When you are finished painting, set aside and let dry, I always let them dry overnight just to be sure.

Question: Painting Decorative Gourds?

phyl

January 18, 2012

I am looking for images to paint on gourds for the flower bed. Does anyone have some ideas? Some of the shapes I have are bottle gourds, warty gourds, and swans. Thank you.

By pg

Answers

Karen H.

September 30, 20120 found this helpful

Have you considered hollowing at least 1 out of the bottleneck ones and putting flowers in them and hanging on a railing, fence or low tree branch? You have to put water in it just like a regular vase. These are very nice and I saw it in one of the magazines online. Just thought I'd throw that one out there.

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If you don't want to paint them all, you could also put little leaf, acorn, pumpkin and flower stickers on them. They have all kinds plastic, paper and felt ones at most craft stores and Dollar Tree too. Check out BHG.com for painting and craft ideas. Anyway, have fun crafting and Happy Autumn! : D

 

Question: What Tools Do I Need to Get Started Painting Gourds?

November 14, 2010

I am new at painting gourds. What are the best tools to use as a beginner? Where can I purchase them without spending a lot of money?

By phyl from IA

Answers

Danielle

November 18, 20100 found this helpful

Pick up a cheap set of paintbrushes and a variety of paint that you think would look good. If you have a dollar store or similar type store near you that would be a good place to start. Other than that I would try hobby lobby, Michaels, or Walmart.

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If you are going to do it often I would recommend getting a nicer set of paint brushes and if you are going to paint a background color spray paint might be a quick and easy option. Just be sure to let it dry before you paint any designs.