Monogram Pumpkin Tutorial

Materials Needed:

Pumpkin
Cream/Ivory Spray Paint (Flat or Satin)
Masking or Painters Tape
Transfer/Graphite Paper
Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Clear Spray Enamel (Optional)

**You can use a real pumpkin or a craft pumpkin for this project. (I used a fake one that I got a great deal on a few weeks ago.)

1.) Start by masking off your stem with masking or painters tape.

2.) Spray your pumpkin with a cream colored spray paint. I used Krylon Almond in Satin. Try to avoid a gloss paint to keep it as realistic looking as possible.

3.) Remove tape from stem after paint has dried completely.

4.) Next you are going to want to create the monogram you plan to use. I use the word processor program on my computer (Microsoft Works) to generate a monogram. I used a font called Ecolier. You will need to adjust your font size to get the size monogram you want.

** A little tip: Use the font options/effects to make your letter an outline to save ink from your printer.

5.) Print your monogram.

6.) You will need black or gray graphite/transfer paper for the next step. You can purchase this in a office supply store or in the art section of your local craft store.

** If you do not have transfer paper, you can turn your monogram over and "color" on the backside of the paper with a soft lead pencil where your letter is located. This serves the same purpose as the transfer paper.

7.) Position the monogram where you'd like it on the pumpkin and tape in place with your transfer/graphite paper underneath the paper.

8.) Trace over the entire monogram.

9.) Next you are going to fill in the monogram with paint.

You can use any acrylic paint. I used an opaque metallic paint by Modern Masters in English Brown.

10.) This final step is optional. If your pumpkin will be in the elements, you will probably want to apply a clear sealant. I have tried MANY, and I personally like Rust-oleum's Crystal Clear Enamel. I have found it goes on the easiest and doesn't yellow over time. I did not apply the clear coat to mine since it was on a covered porch.

And there you have it! Your very own monogram pumpkin!!

Georgia Anne

Friday Playdates

My sweet friends, Laura and Kristina, and I have been getting our children together for play dates on Friday mornings. The kids play so good together and it is really nice to have adult conversation with two sweet ladies!

William, Zadie, Jack, Daniel and Ian
(Poor Baby Rosie didn't make any of the pictures....I'll be sure and get some of that sweet girlie next time.)

Sweet brothers!

Daniel would swing the entire time if I let him. I think this picture is so funny....that look on his face and it looks like he doesn't have any arms because he had them tucked inside the swing. Silly boy!

Zadie and Laura

Jack and Zadie

Fall Porch

I am so happy Fall is here....now if only the hot Alabama weather would cool down just a little. I love to decorate the front porch for Fall and could hardly wait to break out the pumpkins and mums!!

I painted our monogram on this pumpkin. I have a tutorial on how you can make your own monogram pumpkin here.

The cotton boll wreath was the inspiration for my front porch decorating. I kept everything pretty neutral with just a little splash of color.

The cotton industry is a big part of Tallassee's economy (and Alabama). I've always wanted a cotton boll wreath for our front door and this year I was determined to make one. It helps to have friends that grow cotton that let me pick some to make this!

I've linked up to three great Linky Parties. If you want to see some other great fall decorating ideas click on any of the photos below!

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Daniel

Hoover Dam

On our way back from the Grand Canyon we visited the Hoover Dam. The new Hoover Dam Bypass bridge was completed sometime in the past year. The above photo was taken from the new bridge and proved to be the best place to snap pictures of the dam. It was a long climb up MANY stairs and then a long walk across the bridge to get that shot, but I definitely think it was worth it.

This picture was taken from the top of the dam on one side looking at the other side. It was a LONG way down!

The back view of the dam on the Arizona/Lake Mead side.

View of Lake Mead

The new bypass bridge. It is a beautiful concrete arch bridge. We were standing on this bridge when we took the first picture in this post.

View of the new bridge from underneath.