If you’re looking for a creative way to paint a pumpkin, our Cactus Painted Pumpkin is the perfect idea.

Walking around town in the Fall I love looking at people’s pumpkins on their front porch, its amazing how creative people are and what you can turn a pumpkin into. Some people carve their pumpkins while others use paint to show off their savvy pumpkin decorating skills. My kids love to carve and their Dad loves helping them.

I also love purchasing fake pumpkins during the off-season at various thrift stores. During the fall, fake pumpkins can be pricey at stores like Joann’s, Hobby Lobby and Michaels. Even with a coupon! Purchasing them in the off-season and for only a few bucks is a great way to stock up and save money!

While I do love stocking up on fake pumpkins for various Halloween projects, my kids love heading to the pumpkin patch and picking out real ones! I love painting pumpkins and have so much fun, you can make them into anything you want with a little paint and a paint brush. Ever since Kari made her awesome Troll pumpkins, she inspired me to make some pretty cool pumpkins like my Cactus Painted Pumpkin.

How to make a Cactus Painted Pumpkin:

Materials:

• large terra cotta pot
• large tall pumpkin
• bright green craft paint
• white pipe cleaners
• faux pink flowers
• hot glue/hot glue gun
• foam paint brush
• clear spray paint

Directions:

1. Wash and dry off your pumpkin and lay out  a piece of scrap newspaper.
2. Use a foam paint brush to paint your pumpkin green, let dry, paint a second coat and let dry.
3. Spray your pumpkin with a clear coat gloss spray paint and let dry.
4. Cut your white pipe cleaners into 3/4″ pieces and use your hot glue gun to carefully glue the pipe cleaner pieces all over your green pumpkin rotating directions.
5. Remove the pink flowers from the stem and carefully glue them around the top of the pumpkin.
6. Place your pumpkin into your terra cotta pot and display on your front porch.

What’s your favorite way to carve or paint a pumpkin? Let us know in the comment section below.

You might also enjoy our other pumpkin ideas:

• Troll Pumpkins to make for Halloween – Troll Pumpkins will make you want to sing and dance this Halloween!
• Teal Pumpkin Project Painted Pumpkin – This is the Teal Pumpkin Project Painted Pumpkin that you can use year after year!
• Easy Pumpkin Vase – If you’re like me and love decorating for different seasons and holidays, you’ll want to make this adorable Pumpkin Vase for your house and front porch or give it as a gift.