I have gone a little pumpkin crazy this year. I can’t help myself. Every time I go into Trader Joes I end up picking up one or two or twelve. They are only $3.99 a piece and they are a great size and shape. I have big plans to carve into a bunch of them this weekend, but this week I decided to paint some as well.
Last year I made a simple brushstroke pumpkin. This year I wanted to step up my painting game and my mind immediately went to leopard print. Leopard print will forever be a favorite in my heart. It’s a classic print and it works so nicely in the fall.

Here is how to tackle an easy diy leopard pumpkin.

Step 1: Start with a clean pumpkin. Make sure it’s dry before you start painting.

Step 2: Apply a coat of white paint. You can use spray paint, but I found it easier to just do craft paint and do apply it with a brush.

Step 3: Once your white paint is dry it’s time to add the leopard print. You will need two additional paint colors for this step. I went with a dark brown and gold. Just note that when you go with a dark color like brown or black you will need multiple coats to get the coverage you want.

I went with three different leopard print shapes to get the look I want. The first shape was just a large circle of the dark brown with a gold interior.

For the second shape I started with a gold circle and then added three smaller circles to the side of it.

For the last shape I did half a circle and then added a gold circle to the inside.

For the leopard print I find it best to go in organically when doing the pattern. Not need to sketch anything out before hand. No need for perfectly crisp edges. I kept a pair of leopard shoes near by to glance at for inspiration. I sprinkled the different shapes throughout alternating what I used so I didn’t have two of the same next to each other.

Step 4: Once your pumpkin is fully dry then apply a coat of protective gloss so that your paint stays intact in all weather.

Step 5: Once the gloss dries (Around 20 mins) you are ready to display your pumpkin! I set up by the front door with hay, mums the leopard pumpkin and my new striped scarf that had the perfect stripe accent!

I even gave the stem a little dose of gold as well!

Once I had the paint out I got into a painting groove. I actually found it really relaxing and fun. So, I grabbed more paint and looked over Jennifer’s gingham pumpkin tutorial and got to work!

SWOON! I’m obsessed!

So, go grab some pumpkins and try it out yourself! Even my boys got into the action and had a blast painting their pumpkins.