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?


Comments

  1. Kim October 24, 2026 at 5:52 PM

    Ann, I was waiting for this one! You are the best bargain hunter I know. I need to go estate shopping with you!! ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 24, 2026 at 7:47 PM

      I would LOVE to go estate sale shopping together, Kim.  This was a great bargain and it didn't hurt to know the owner of the company!

      Delete
  2. MariamaOctober 24, 2026 at 8:17 PM

    Beautiful, I love it :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Joanne October 26, 2026 at 3:15 PM

    That looks lovely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 26, 2026 at 8:04 PM

      Thank you, Joanne.  I think it's a definite improvement!

      Delete
  4. Leslie | My Gluten Free CucinaOctober 26, 2026 at 3:36 PM

    I love how you repainted this old slate. Beautiful work

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 26, 2026 at 8:05 PM

      Thank you, Leslie.  It really needed a makeover!

      Delete
  5. Vintage Style GalOctober 26, 2026 at 4:52 PM

    Your estate sale pumpkin turned out perfectly Ann! Oh my goodness, if I had a neighbor who ran estate sales, I would be in so much trouble. Hmm, a house in our neighborhood is for sale, maybe one will move in. If only I could be so lucky, ha! I have an entire box of slate in our basement from when we removed it from our entryway. You know I can never throw anything away. I am not sure how to go about cutting it though. I will have to see what I can find now. Thank you for the inspiration Ann!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 26, 2026 at 8:07 PM

      Thank you, Cara.  I don't know anything about cutting slate, but I'm sure there must be a YouTube video.  Let me know what you find!

      Delete
  6. CatOctober 30, 2026 at 9:31 AM

    Great paint job! It looks so much better now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnOctober 31, 2026 at 8:43 AM

      Thanks, Cat.  It certainly needed the help!

      Delete

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