DIY Black Terracotta Pumpkins Inspired by Pottery Barn

I suppose I’m about a year behind on these viral terracotta pumpkins from Pottery Barn. They took the fall decorating world by storm in 2023. But I just couldn’t help myself – they’re still cute this year too, right? Let’s say yes.

And, even better, it’s so easy to make your own! The natural terracotta ones are beautiful, but I’m loving the black this year for our front porch and back patio.

I tried out a the most popular method for making them that I’ve read about everywhere – mixing paint with baking soda, cover in flour, then seal. It works great. However, it took quite a while to do each pumpkin. So I tried out a quicker version, and it worked well too. Either way, they all turned out way too cute. Now I want to make them for every corner of the house!

Method 1- Paint, Baking Soda, Flour

I used this method on the squish face pumpkin.

Start by priming your pumpkin. Primer helps the paint adhere really well, so it doesn’t peel or chip.

Once the primer is dry, mix your black paint with baking soda until it reaches a texture you like. I just added a little bit of baking soda at a time until I liked the look. Then, paint your pumpkin.

While the paint is still wet, spritz flour over the whole pumpkin. I just dropped it by hand lightly all around the pumpkin, but a sifter would work well for this part if you have one. Let the paint dry a bit longer and then use a chip brush to spread the flour evenly and wipe away the excess. Take care to just lightly brush the flour around. You don’t want to wipe it all off.

If you need to add more flour, just add a bit more paint first, then flour again.

Repeat until you like the texture and color.

Let it dry and then spray lightly with a clear acrylic spray sealant. The sealant helps seal the flour into place, as well as protect it from the elements if you put it outside.

Method 2 – Spray Paint + Flour

I used this method on the stacked jack o’ lantern and 9″ happy one.

Spray your pumpkin with a good layer of matte black spray paint + primer. I use this Rustoleum Universal Paint + Primer all the time for various projects and have always been really happy with it.

While the paint is still wet, dust the whole pumpkin with flour. You do have to move pretty quickly to get the flour on before the paint starts to set too much. If you have trouble getting the flour to stick, just spray that area with the paint again and add more flour.

Let the flour and paint set for a few minutes, then lightly brush the excess flour off. Brushing it also helps spread the flour around evenly.

Since you’re working with wet paint, wear disposable gloves so you can lift it by the stem without getting paint all over your hands. Or just wash your hands afterwards … I won’t admit which I did. 😅

Repeat until you like the amount of flour and texture. Don’t worry about spraying black paint over the flour if you want to do a few layers. It actually helps add some texture to repeat the process a few times!

When you’re happy with it, let the paint and flour dry. It only takes about 20 minutes for the spray paint to dry completely. Then seal it with a clear acrylic spray to seal the flour in place and protect it from the elements.

Personally, I preferred using the spray paint because it was so quick and easy. But both methods turned out great!

They’re too fun. They add just the right touch of spooky to our fall and Halloween decor. And the kids love them! Which is the best part of all the seasonal decor anyways 😉

Watch my latest YouTube video to compare both methods and see this year’s “Falloween” front porch come together: Falloween Front Porch | DIY Lit Ghosts, Spooky Hanging Candles, and a Fall Doormat. Or check out the quick spray paint version here: DIY Black Terracotta Pumpkins Inspired by Pottery Barn. Don’t forget to subscribe while you’re there to see all our projects unfold, plus get the details on all the behind-the-scenes!

Jack O Lantern Options + Fall Porch Favorites

| Tylynn |

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