Slate Pumpkin Makeover

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There's something about finding that 'one thing' at an estate sale that really needs a makeover.  A few months ago, it was this little Jack-o-Lantern.  He was painted on slate and just looked ever so sad with this paint job. 
There was no price tag and it was the first day of the sale.  Discounts are never given on the first day.  

However, I knew the owner of this estate sale company (he's also my neighbor) and I asked if I could have it for a dollar.  I also added that I knew it was the first day and said if he couldn't do it, that was OK too.  He reached over with his price labeler, put $1 on it, and handed it to the woman manning the cash register. 
Winning!

The first step in this makeover was giving the entire surface a scuff with 220 grit sandpaper. 
After wiping it clean, two coats of white craft paint was applied to act as a primer.
Next, came the orange paint.
Two coats.
I followed the curved shape with my brushstrokes.
Then some brown was brushed on to add some depth to the pumpkin.
Brown was also added to the stem.
I used light and dark shades of brown, along with a little green, until I had a color that looked like a drying pumpkin stem.
Two leaves were glued on and I had a new pumpkin to display!

 Quick and easy!  I just love projects like that. Don't you?
 

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