Rustic Pumpkin Decor: An Easy Way to Rust Pumpkins

Transforming pumpkins is a passion of mine in the fall! Rustic pumpkin decor just makes me happy! I like to mix and match bright metallics and matte realistic objects in my everyday decor. I call it rustic modern so I figured I liked it so much, why not add a rustic modern twist to my seasonal decorations as well!

As you can see in the photo above I have a realistic aged pumpkin, a metallic tissue pumpkin, a thumbtack pumpkin, a distresses chalky pumpkin, an embellished L pumpkin, a jute pumpkin and 2 rustic pumpkins. One is a rusted pumpkin lantern with holes and the other a blue patina pumpkin. Both of these pumpkin are made with modern masters paint products.

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Rustic Pumpkin Supplies:

• Foam Pumpkin
• Modern Masters Metal Effects Kit of your choice
• Inexpensive chip brush…what is a chip brush you ask?  I use these brushes for everything (except for a good quality paint job)

Additional Supplies for Rustic Pumpkin Lantern:

• Drill and drill bit for size hole you want
• Versa-tool
• Battery operated candle

Rustic Pumpkin Instructions:

Green/Blue Patina Pumpkin:

Step 1) Paint one coat of Modern Masters Metal Effects Paint over the entire pumpkin. Let Dry.

Step 2) Paint a second coat of the same Modern Masters Metal Effects Paint over pumpkin. DON’T LET DRY.

Step 3) While paint is still wet, spray Modern Masters green and/or blue patina spray over paint. I used both and let them run together.

Step 4) Paint will begin to react right away. Allow to dry overnight for full effect.

Rust Lantern Pumpkin:

Step 1) Drill holes into pumpkin spaced fairly evenly. This is not an exact science.

Step 2) Continue drilling holes all the way around the pumpkin. Remember, you can always drill more but you can’t fix having too many.

Step 3) Cut out a hole on the bottom of the pumpkin big enough to fit your battery operated candle.

Step 4) Using the Modern Masters Rust Kit, paint the pumpkin with a coat of the metal paint. Let dry.

Step 5) Add a second layer of metal paint. Let dry.

Diva tip: Please note that for the patina kit you use the activator on wet paint and for the rust kit you use the activator on dry paint.

Step 6) Spray the Modern Masters Metal Effects Rust Activator* over the dry Iron Paint.

Step 7)  Wait 5 minutes and spray again. I like to them spray one more time just from the top of the pumpkin and let the activator drip down the pumpkin.

Step 8) Let the pumpkin dry overnight. Do not worry if you do not see much rust at first, it will do it’s magic overnight.

Step 9) Turn on your battery operated candle and put pumpkin over it to create a lantern effect!

Look how cute they are with our Dollar Store Thumbtack Pumpkin, Gilded Decoupage Pumpkin and Jute Wrapped Pumpkin.

You are going to go crazy once you try out these Modern Master’s Products! Here are a couple every day uses for Metal Effects; How To Add Rustic Charm With Patina , How To Make Anything Look Old Instantly Using A Rust Kit and The Diva’s Role in Restaurant: Impossible’s Holiday: Impossible 2.

Each and everyone of you inspire me and I LOVE to see the work that you’ve created. Feel free to share with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. And as always, be sure to follow Diva Of DIY on Pinterest and sign up for our FREE Newsletter to receive the latest projects delivered straight to your inbox!

For more Fall Inspiration, check out these projects:

Make Fun and Funky Junk-o-Lanterns

Make a Foam Pumpkin Topiary

Unique Frame Fall Wreath