Package of Gold Mica Earth & Mineral pigments next to an empty white bowl and set of metal measuring spoons with flowers in the background

Painted Pumpkin Thanksgiving Centerpiece with Earth & Mineral Pigments

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to gather with loved ones and share our gratitude over a delicious meal. Make your Thanksgiving table just as beautiful with this Painted Pumpkin Thanksgiving Centerpiece!

Finished painted pumpkin Thanksgiving Centerpiece with all the materials used to make it, indluding: Gold Mica packet of Earth & Mineral Pigments, measuring spoons, paint brushes, etc.

Supplies:

*You can purchase your wooden box at any craft store, but before you buy new, consider heading to your local thrift store for some pre-loved finds! Secondhand items are full of unique character, and they're eco-friendly, too!

Person's hand scooping out some red Earth & Mineral Pigments using a measuring spoon with other packets in the background

Step 1: Prepare Your Paint

Add a small amount of each Earth & Mineral Pigment you're using onto your paint palette. Prepare your binder of choice according to the recipe (we used our Natural Gouache Paint Recipe, but you can also use our Natural Acrylic Medium instead!). 

Person mixing the pigments into a glass jar filled with binder to create a gouache paint

Then, mix your preferred binder with each pigment you're using according to the recipe. 

Person using a pencil to draw out their design in pencil on a wooden box they are going to paint

Step 2 (Optional): Sketch Your Design

You can paint your design freehand, but taking a moment to sketch out where you want your pumpkin design to be can also help later in the painting process!

Person's hand holding a paint brush, applying green paint to the pumpkin vines and leaves

Step 3: Paint by Color

Start with one color, and paint away! We suggest starting with whichever color is located on the top of your design, so you don't smudge the design with your hand while painting other portions if that layer doesn't dry completely in between colors. We started with Emerald Green...

Now the person is applying orange paint to the pumpkin areas using a small paintbrush

...then laid down some Orange Ochre...

All the pumpkins are finished being painted with the orange and now the person is adding accents using yellow ochre

...added some detail with Yellow Ochre...

To finish the pumpkins, the person is now adding gold mica over them to produce some highlights

...and finished up with a bit of Natural Gold Mica!

Person's hand holding a paint brush is applying green paint around the box in some areas for the finishing touches

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Once the pumpkin design is complete, use the leftover paint to add a little color to the rest of the box. The more creative, the better!

Finished painted pumpkin Thanksgiving Centerpiece with all the materials used to make it, indluding: Gold Mica packet of Earth & Mineral Pigments, measuring spoons, paint brushes, etc.

Step 4: Dry & Fill

Once your box is dry, you can fill it with decorations of your choice. Fall foliage is lovely, but faux flowers will also do in a pinch. Happy Thanksgiving!

Interested in more crafts featuring Natural Earth Paint products? Visit our Nature Crafts DIY page!
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