Recycled Pumpkin ... Dual Purpose

The New Jack

Many years ago, at least 10, I went to a Halloween party and won this large pumpkin for my creative costume. But, I do believe I won it for the hair. My foot tall hair that was teased and sprayed so stiff it didn't move the entire night, even while driving and sticking out of the sunroof of the car.

Over the years, this poor pumpkin has been bumped, bruised and basically abused. So, when I pulled out "Jack", as we lovingly call him, this year, he was peeling and basically looked like he was ready for the trash. Not wanting to get rid of him, I decided he could be saved!

Leaves from Dollar Tree, orange spray paint from Walmart, yellow acrylic paint from my supply and Glow In The Dark Paint from Michael's, these berry looking things I had left over from some project, some leftover rattan covered wire from another project and then creativity began.

First, I peeled all the loose "paper" from him. Not exactly sure if it was paper, but where it was loose, it peeled easily. Then I wiped him with a damp cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Out to the back yard Jack and I went with the can of orange spray paint. I sprayed him all over, giving him a shiny new coat of orange. I was careful not to spray to much where the mouth, nose and eyes were since I was painting those yellow.

Top of Jack

Once the orange paint was dry, I let it sit 24 hours, I proceeded to paint the mouth, nose and eyes with the yellow paint. I applied 3 coats to make sure I had good coverage. I let that dry overnight and then applied two coats of Glow In The Dark Paint to the mouth, nose and eyes area.

The stem on top I painted with some coppery brown glitter nail polish that was just sitting here not being used. It was perfect!

Once all paint and nail polish was dry, I proceeded to apply the leaves, mixing the different shades of yellow, orange and rust, around the top of the pumpkin creating a cute little hat for Jack. Once that was dry, I took my little berry clumps and glued around the stem area.

Jack's Is Now My Fall Pumpkin

I then took the rattan covered wire, cut 2 pieces about 8" long. Taking one piece at a time, I wrapped it around a pencil, leaving enough straight on the end to tuck under the leaves and glue.

I let everything dry over night. And, standing back looking, I was proud to say, Jack looked great!

 Now you say, dual purpose? Well, as you can see from the first photo above, Jack looks great in his dapper leaf hat! But, if I simply turn Jack around after Halloween is over, I have a beautiful fall pumpkin!

So Jack will be displayed proudly on my front porch from now until November 28th when Christmas decorations start appearing!

Until next time ...