Crafting alcohol ink pumpkins is a fun and creative project that's foolproof. Each one is its own little work of art.
If you've been following me for a while then you won't be surprised that I've used my favorite medium and created alcohol ink pumpkins. Ever since I used alcohol inks to create pretty floral jewelry dishes for Christmas I've been hooked.
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How to Create Alcohol Ink Pumpkins
Supplies
It started with a bag of white faux pumpkins
. By the way, I think you could use real white pumpkins or even regular orange pumpkins that you've painted white.
First, I insert a wooden skewer
into the bottom of the pumpkin. This will give you something to hold onto while you are decorating the pumpkin with ink.
Then you can place the skewer into a piece of styrofoam or other material to allow it to dry.
Important Tip: Make sure that you have your surface covered with plastic. These alcohol inks
are very messy.
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I usually cut open a trash bag and tape it onto the table and I also place one on the floor underneath just in case.
Next, grab your inks and a small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol
.
Use one or more colors and place a few drops on the top of the pumpkin. They will drip down to the bottom.
Feel free to turn and twirl the skewer to get the ink to move any way you want.
You can then hit it with some rubbing alcohol and watch the colors blend together.
Alternatively, you can spray the pumpkin with some rubbing alcohol and then start dropping some of the alcohol inks on top of each other.
Allow them to dry overnight.
After they have dried you could use a poly spray to protect them but I didn't. They are just for fun in my fall decor so I don't think they really need extra protection.
Non-Traditional Fall Colors
If you are not into traditional fall colors you could try black and gold like the ones shown above. They look very elegant to me.
Why not try blue? I've noticed many other decorators using blue in their decor this fall.
However, I must say that I still like the warm colors of fall.
Really, you can't go wrong with this technique.
And, if you work quickly, you can remove most of the ink with the rubbing alcohol and start creating all over again.
P.S. If you're looking for more ways to play with alcohol inks try this Alcohol Ink Jewelry Dish project or Using Alcohol Inks on Metal Tins. You can find them and many more creative ideas on my DIY Projects page.
Alcohol Ink Pumpkins for Easy Fun Fall Decor
Equipment
Materials
- Faux white pumpkins
- Wooden skewers
- Alcohol Inks
- Isopropyl Alcohol
Instructions
- Insert a wooden skewer into the bottom of the pumpkin.
- Place the skewer into a piece of styrofoam to allow it to dry.
- Grab your inks and a small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol.
- Use one or more colors and place a few drops on the top of the pumpkin.
- Turn and twirl the skewer to get the ink to move.
- Hit it with some rubbing alcohol and watch the colors blend together.
- Let dry overnight.
- Use a poly spray to protect them
Katherine
These are beautiful and last year I bought a palette of alcohol inks, so excited to try. Have you tried with a real pumpkin spray painted yet? I'd like your thoughts.
Patti Estep
Thank Katherine. I have not tried spray paint with alcohol inks. It would be an interesting experiment.
Blanca
Love them. What paint to do use? Ink?
Patti Estep
Blanca, I used an alcohol ink kit from Jacquard. There is a link in the post. You can use any brand of alcohol inks. They sell them in individual bottles but I bought the kit because it has several colors including gold.
Julie Briones
These are just lovely, Patti... as always your alcohol ink projects turn out amazing. Do you do link parties? If you do, we'd love for you to join us at Tuesday Turn About... we close tonight at 12am CST, but open again on Tuesdays at 5pm CST. Hope to see you there!
Patti Estep
Thanks Julie. The alcohol inks make it so easy to create pretty things. Unfortunately, I haven't posted in link parties for a while. As you know there is always so much to be done and I've had to pick and choose where I spend my time. Even so, I'll try to stop by your party soon.
Maureen Young
I love these! They look beautiful. What a cool autumn idea!!
Patti Estep
Thanks Maureen. They are soooo easy.
Carole West
They look so neat, love it when you create with these inks you're so good at it. Love the spray bottle idea and I'm thinking teal and shades of orange would also be neat? Another great project.
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. Teal and Orange would be so vibrant and beautiful.