4 Creative Ways to Transform Dollar Tree Pumpkins

Learn how to transform Dollar Tree pumpkins into works of art using four fun methods.

Fall is my absolute favorite season. I love when the weather starts to turn cooler and the days get shorter.

It’s still August, but I already have pumpkins on the brain. I know it’s 100 degrees outside, but I can’t wait any longer to get the pumpkins out!

For those who know me well, you know I LOVE pumpkins. I love taking the grandkids to the pumpkin patch, and I have been known to fill the back of our truck with fresh pumpkins.

Pumpkins are everywhere in the fall, and everyone is looking for creative ways to use them. If you’re looking for a DIY craft project that is both easy and impressive, transforming a Dollar Tree pumpkin into Cinderella’s coach is a perfect idea. You can create beautiful pumpkins that amaze your friends and family with just a few simple steps.

Let’s Talk about Dollar Tree Pumpkins

I use several different methods for transforming pumpkins, but they all start with your basic foam pumpkin from the Dollar Tree or any faux pumpkin of your choice. You can also find burlap pumpkins which are fun to work with.

The Dollar Tree pumpkins are typically small, so if you want a larger pumpkin, you can go to Target, Michaels, or shop online.

I changed out the stem on all three of these pumpkins, painted two of them, and added a few leaves with some moss.

First Steps to Transforming Dollar Tree Pumpkins

Start with removing the stem of the pumpkin. They are typically very fake looking.

You will need a wooden skewer to poke into the pumpkin to work efficiently and allow the pumpkin to dry.

In addition, you will need a block or cone of Styrofoam to poke the skewer into it to allow the pumpkins to dry.

I love collecting fresh pumpkin stems and using them on my fake pumpkins. You can find them at pumpkin patches, in bins at the grocery store (be careful you don’t fall in), and by removing them from your fresh pumpkins at the end of the season. Let them air dry for a few weeks, and they will be ready to use on your crafting projects.

If you are struggling to find pumpkin stems, you can order them here.

Transform a Faux Pumpkin Using Paint and Wax

I used chalk paint on these two white pumpkins. Paint one coat at a time until you reach the desired color. Be sure to allow each coat to dry well before applying the second coat.

Next, I waxed the pumpkins using Annie Sloan’s clear and dark wax. Put a clear coat of wax on first. Then, while that is still wet, mix a little bit of the dark wax on your brush with a little transparent and antique the pumpkin.

You can even paint the Dollar Tree burlap pumpkins.

Allow this to dry for a day, and then hot glue your stem. You can add some pretty leaves or moss around the pumpkin’s stem if you like.

Transform a Dollar Tree Pumpkin using Concrete and Flour

For this transformation, I used Henry’s Feather Finish.

Mix a small amount of Henry’s featherweight in a disposable cup with a bit of water. Once you mix the concrete, you will have about 20-30 minutes to work with it.

Paint your pumpkin with a disposable brush.

While the pumpkin is still wet, sprinkle some flour around the top where you will place the stem.

Allow this to dry for a minimum of one hour.

Hot glue your stem on and add Spanish moss or leaves for decoration.

This look is beautiful with dried hydrangeas.

Create a Rusty Pumpkin with Cinnamon

We all know you can spice up your favorite recipes with cinnamon and fill the house with the holiday scent, but this little gem is also a great way to make something new look old. So, let’s make those new Dollar Tree pumpkins look like they have been around for years.

Gather a couple of colors of acrylic paint (I used black and a rusty brown) and one jar of cinnamon.

Paint your pumpkin using black paint first.

While the pumpkin is still wet, give it a coat of brown over the black.

Now, sprinkle the cinnamon over the pumpkin. You can do this over the entire pumpkin or just in certain spots. That is up to you.

How to Make your Pumpkin Rusty

Use your brush to tap at the cinnamon and distress the pumpkin a bit.

Let the pumpkin dry overnight. Give it a coat or two of a clear matte acrylic spray.

Hot glue your stem on and add leaves or moss if you like.

Bonus: Your pumpkin will not only look amazing, but it will also smell yummy!

Give Dollar Tree Pumpkins Great Texture and Character using Baking Soda

Place a small amount of acrylic or chalk paint into a paper cup.

Sprinkle in baking soda until you reach a semi-pasty consistency.

Paint your pumpkin with a cheap chip brush. I like to use a brush that will leave brush marks, so the cheaper, the better.

Allow this to try for a few hours.

Using Annie Sloan’s clear wax, give the entire pumpkin a coating.

Next, mix a tiny bit of dark wax with the clear wax and rub it onto the pumpkin while the clear wax is still wet.

Wipe off the excess.

Well, there you have it, four different ways to transform Dollar Tree pumpkins into beautiful works of art! I hope you try one of these transformations or all of them. I can’t wait to see what you create! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more inspiration and DIY tutorials.

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Be sure to do your Fall decorating shopping early, here are a few of my favorites.