October is here, which means it is officially spooky season. I love decorating and celebrating Halloween, but in doing so, I like everything to reflect my typical aesthetic, just in a holiday way.
I'd seen the viral pottery barn terracotta jack-o-lanterns all over my social media feeds, but they were so expensive and sold out when I went to see about purchasing them. So, I do what I always do when I want something I can't have or can't afford: I get crafty and make my own version.
Below is an "items needed" list and step-by-step tutorial on how I DIYed the terracotta jack-o-lanterns and added a fun twist by turning mine into a candy jar.
Items Needed:
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Plastic Pumpkin
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Modeling Clay
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Paint: Orange, Brown, and White
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Paint Brush
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Baking Soda
How I Made My Terracotta Jack-O-Lantern Candy Jar
Since I wanted my pumpkin to be a candy jar, I started by cutting it in half. I used a zig-zag edge like you would a standard jack-o-lantern.
I then took the modeling clay and added it to the jagged edges and the stem. I wouldn't say this step was a "must-do," but it made the finished product look like real clay. Once the clay dried, I sanded down the edges so it blended more smoothly. Again, it was not necessary, but it enhanced the project some.
I then mixed my orange, brown, and white paint until I got to a color that mimicked terracotta pottery. I added baking soda to the paint until it achieved a paste-like consistency. I panted this all over the pumpkin, including the stem.
Once the paint started to dry a little, but not entirely, I COVERED it in baking soda. I used my hands to rub it all over the pumpkin until I achieved the pottery-like, dusty look that I was going for. I used more baking soda than initially expected and got pretty messy, so I'd recommend taking that step outside.
I let my project dry for a full 12 hours and then used a dry paintbrush to dust off the excess baking soda.
I was really pleased with my finished product. Although it's not an exact replica of the pottery barn terracotta pumpkin, it was about $70 cheaper to make my own and still gives me the aesthetic Halloween décor look I was going for.
