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Layered Pumpkins

For those of us who love the fall best of all, these pumpkins will make your season! Pumpkins in all shapes and sizes for all spaces!




Follow the quick clip below to see a few techniques on painting any of this season's laser cutout pumpkin designs. The same technique works for all shapes and sizes.


For more extensive notes on painting wood shapes and designs see this blog post:

Painting 3D squares




SUPPLIES:

  • order a DIY Art Kit here or source the following supplies: your laser cut wood shapes

  • acrylic or chalk paints in various colors

  • sponge paint brush

  • make-up wedges

  • optional for distressing: sandpaper and a scruffy brush

  • glue: I like Aleene's Turbo Tacky Glue, but superglue or wood glue work too.

  • paper towels

  • paper plate

  • snacks... because ain't nobody got time for low sugar fainting, when you forget to eat while you're crafting!


BASIC TECHNIQUE FOR PAINTING LAYERED SHAPES:

  • Use as little paint as possible so that it doesn't run over the edges and to keep your design neat. Rather add various thin coats, than one that is too thick.




  • Blot paint onto your paper plate or paper towel to remove excess, before painting your designs.


  • Use a sponge or paint brush for larger shapes.

  • Don't be shy to layer different shades and add distressing techniques for faux barn wood.

  • Use paint sparingly and rather add additional think coats, than one that is too thick and runs down the sides.


  • Use a sponge wedge to dry-blot paint sparingly onto more complex shapes, to prevent color accumulating in the design.

  • Attach smaller shapes, such as leaves, onto an upturned piece of masking tape, so they stay in place without getting paint all over your fingers!

  • Run your semi-dry sponge wedge over edges in white for highlight or black for shadow.



  • Once dry, glue the pieces together and insert into the base. It should fit tightly and not require glue.

  • Accessorize with string and leaves.

  • If the base is tight, you may have applied too much paint, which will make your final product too thick for your stand. The stand is cut to fit the pumpkin snuggly, so it won't topple over. If this is the case, sand off some paint to make it fit in the slot.

  • Most of all: Have fun!!!



NOTES ON COLORS:


  • Pick a limited color palette, to make your design coherent. Too many colors can be distracting. Rather blend different shades of a smaller color group by adding white or black.

  • You get to paint the base as well as the frame, so if you go busy of the base, go neutral on the frame and vise versa.

That said, there are really no rules in art, so do what makes you happy!


These are a few examples of color options I used for this tutorial. I have 3 active sons running around, and so I tend to love neutral colors for a more peaceful color scheme in my loud home, but you can use literally any colors that please you! I have seen bright blue bases with yellow sunflowers and absolutely adore them. After I'd painted the colorful fall palette (center photo below), I realized that it was too busy for me and I repainted it white. That's the beauty of wood crafts... you can always paint over it if you don't like it! Less pressure and more fun!


These are a few color combinations on the smaller pumpkins:





Please share photos of your version when you're done with tag @threeandme on social media or directly at claire@threeand.me. Follow my Facebook or Instagram pages for new designs, workshops and events.



Thanks for joining me!


Warmly,

Claire

xxx






#threeandme #painttuorial #pumpkins #fall #3dart #layeredpumpkins

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Reviews

Created. Enjoyed. Reviewed ...

Had the most fun tonight with an amazing instructor and many wonderful friends! Three & Me out did themselves with beautiful presentation and amazing craft that I am excited to display in my home! I look forward to another opportunity to craft with Three & Me in the future!

Camas, WA

What an amazing experience! Claire is an incredible instructor and makes these projects so fun and truly easy for those like me who are not artsy! She is extremely organized and everything is so well thought out and ready in advance. I can hardly wait to take more classes in the future. I would highly recommend Three & Me!

Angela H.

Camas, WA

I just went to my first Three & Me workshop. It was a wonderful experience. Claire is a warm hostess and an excellent instructor. Making everyone feel engaged and successful. The materials are top notch and every detail is well thought out. It’s a great escape for a personal creative moment or a fun way to connect with friends and family while expressing your inner artist.

Camas, WA

Such a fun string art class tonight! Claire is a wonderful instructor and everything was so beautiful; the display, the art, the examples, the supplies, the snacks! So fun!

Camas, WA

This is truly a fun night out! Claire's instruction is helpful, humorous and fun! I love how she allowed us options to be creative and put our own twist on our projects. There is a lot of attention to detail with the set-up, supplies and refreshments which did not go unnoticed.  I can't wait for the next project!

What a fun evening! Claire has thought of every detail and guides you step by step through the whole process! She is such an encourager and makes you feel like you have just made a masterpiece! I highly recommend her classes! I can't wait to take another one!

Camas, WA

I had such a fun evening! Three & Me had everything presented beautifully and organized in a way that made it easy to follow along for those of us that aren't necessarily crafters by nature! Thank you for a fun night!

Courtney H.

Camas, WA

Thank you Claire Houlding for an incredible night! It was so much fun creating with Three & Me!

Hollen F.

Camas, WA

You all did such a great job! Claire Houlding what a fun thing you are starting in our community! Love it. So fun to be there tonight!

Jennifer B.

Camas, WA

I craft a lot at home, but doing crafts in a class with friends is so much better. THREE & ME makes it so easy to do the things I am interested in, without having to find the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own. I've just booked my next ladies night with Claire! I can't wait. 

Vancouver, WA

Tonight, a bunch of lucky ladies got to craft along side one of the very best. Claire's heart, is hands done one of the very best and those of us who were there got to create something amazing that we will proudly display in our homes. Many laughs and much fun was had by all. I highly recommend one of Three & Me classes to anyone in the area! Spread kindness around like confetti!!

​

Lana E.

Camas, WA

Art is not my strength. I don't have a creative bone in my body. So I came to a workshop because my friend made me... and I made something I now love. I was expecting to sit and watch, but landed up getting fully involved! My husband and kids don't believe that I made it myself. I'm coming again and I'm bringing my sister... she's even worse at crafts than me.

Alyson S.

Washougal, WA

We had such a fun girls night out making Christmas signs. Claire did a wonderful job explaining what to do and they turned out great! We are all looking forward to more events!! Thank you!

Kristine A.

Camas, WA

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