Old Salt Farm

Simple Farmhouse Style + DIY

Striped & Polka Dot 4×4 Wood Pumpkins

Just so you know, I’m totally obsessed with stripes.  And polka dots. I’m giddy over these Striped & Polka Dot  4×4 Wood Pumpkins, and they are fall decor perfection!

4x4 Wood Pumpkins | simplykierste.com

 Could you not DIE????

You are going to love how easy they are to make…and I’m going to show you how! These would be really fun to make in a group (Super Saturday), as a gift, or for your own cute house!  I made these for less than $2, since I already had the paint. Going in on it with someone will drastically reduce your costs, because you can share paint, and the 4×4 post. You can get a lot of the supplies at Michaels–craft paint, twine, hot glue, vinyl, and even circle stickers if you don’t have a Silhouette.  The rest of the stuff I got at Home Depot.

4x4 Wood Pumpkins | simplykierste.com

STRIPED & POLKA DOT 4×4 WOOD PUMPKINS

SUPPLIES: (affiliate links are included for your convenience)

-4×4 post, cut into three lengths–10 inches, 7 inches, and 4 inches

–spray paint in orange and white OR craft paint

-1 inch (approx.) stick or branch

-painters tape

-round stickers/vinyl circles

-drill

-1 inch spade bit

–wood glue or hot glue

-jute 

-sander

DIRECTIONS:

1.  The first step is to paint your wood the base color–the color you want your polka dots to be.  For the stripes, your base color will be the one that you DON’T want the top to be.  Let it dry completely.

2.  Apply your round stickers to the ( I used my Silhouette to cut out 1 inch circles) pieces of wood that you want to be polka dotted.  I didn’t have a pattern that I followed–I just added them the way I liked them!  Apply your painters tape to the piece of wood you want to be striped.  I used Frog Tape, and applied it so that I skipped a space equal to the size of the tape, so that the striped would be even.

4x4 pumpkin | simplykierste.com

 3. Once the tape and stickers are on, you can paint the wood the top color–the other color!  For example, if you painted a piece of wood white first, then added the stickers, you would spray it orange.  The wood would end up being orange, with white polka dots.  Let dry completely.

4.  Remove the stickers and tape.  Using a 1 inch spade bit, drill a hole in the top of each piece of wood.  Cut your branch/stick down to the height that you want, then use hot glue or wood glue to secure it inside your drilled hole.  If you use a branch that’s smaller or larger than 1 inch, you will have to use a different size spade bit.  Try to find a branch that’s close to the size of one of your bits, or there will be a noticeable gap.

4x4 pumpkin 4 copy

 5.  Sand the edges of your wood, and VERY lightly on the fronts.  The paint will come off easily, so use a fine grit sandpaper and go very lightly.  It’s so cute, because the color you painted first will come through, giving it a really great texture and dimension.  Wipe of all the excess dust, and tie twine to the largest pumpkin! Ta-da!!! Darling striped & polka dot pumpkins!!!

4x4 Wood Pumpkins | simplykierste.com

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! These are the perfect fall decor, because they can stay out for fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!

4x4 Wood Pumpkins | simplykierste.com

Other Halloween projects you might like…

DIY STRIPED MASON JAR SOAP PUMP

DIY Striped Mason Jar Soap Pump | simplykierste.com

MASON JAR GHOST LANTERN

Mason Jar Ghost Lantern | simplykierste.com

PAINT CAN TRICK-OR-TREAT BUCKETS

Paint Can Trick-or-Treat Buckets | simplykierste.com

 

Lovely comments

  4. Love them! You have the best projects, especially for the ‘diy iimpaired’…that would be me :)

    Reply

      • Just made them. Went to Lowe’s and the man told me I had to wait 30 days for the wood to dry! What? I don’t have 30 days….Halloween is right around the corner. We’ll see what happens. Worse case….$2.00 down the drain!!! lol They are adorable!!!! Making them for all my friends!

        Reply

        • It must be treated wood. I’ve used it many times before, and never let it dry for 30 days beforehand. It does depend on how “wet” it is–if it’s super wet, then you may want to set it out in the sun for a few days first. Good luck!!

          Reply

    • I don’t prime my wood on things like this. Make sure that the first coat is totally and completely dry. Also, use a really good spray paint. I prefer Rustoleum, and they actually have a paint and primer in one, that you could try. You just need a light coat for the bast coat–one that covers, but not really thick. Good luck!!!

      Reply

  14. I think these will make a great front porch decoration. Should I put a sealant on to protect the paint? Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Yes, you could apply a clear sealant if it’s going to be outside and not under a porch. I would use a matte finish, instead of a glossy one! And you are so welcome!!! xoxo

      Reply

  16. Thanks so much for the great idea! I made this already, turned out so cute. Going to post on m,y website tonight with a your website for the idea and directions. I also love stripes and polka dots

    Reply

  17. In the picture, the tallest pumpkin looks like it is taller than 10″ especially if the stripes are 2″. Can you please verify heights again?

    Reply

    • The tallest one is 10 inches. I said the tape wasn’t quite 2 inches, but I didn’t put the specific measurement. I think I need to go change that! The tape was probably closer to 1.5 inches.

      Reply

    • I used old 4×4 posts we had, but you can use a new 4×4 post that can be bought at any home improvement store. I prefer untreated posts, if you can find them, but if you can’t, the treated ones will work too.

      Reply

  21. I am having a horrible time finding any orange paint that isn’t a gloss… I’m assuming you didn’t use a gloss?

    Reply

    • Mine was a gloss (had the same problem, but didn’t want to use craft paint), but I distressed it with my sander, which eliminated the glossy look. Even a light sand will help!!!

      Reply

  22. My Daughter made these other day,they came out perfect,everyone commented her on facebook how pretty they were she got them off pinterest Thank’s for ideas,,,

    Reply

    • I used Rustoleum spray paint, in orange. It was gloss, which is the only thing I could find in that color. I always sand the paint to distress it, which removes any gloss that might be there.

      Reply

  28. I just love your site and have been following you for awhile now. These stripped and polka dot pumpkins are great. I had to feature them on my Facebook page this morning. Your crafts and pictures really inspire me!!

    Reply

  30. These pumpkins are adorable and so simple to make. I am hosting a craft day at my house for family and friends to make these. Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. I look forward to more ideas on your blog.

    Reply

  31. Kierste, I love all your craft ideas. I went yesterday to buy my supplies for the beautiful fall berry garland wreath. I started it today but ran out of twine before I could finish (my fault. . Didn’t buy enough):-( but I am so excited to finish it! Next weekend my husband said he would cut my wood for the precious striped and polka dot pumpkins. I want to thank you for sparking my interest in making crafts again and putting the warmth back in my home that can only be achieved through these beautiful handmade items. Bless your heart:-)

    Reply

    • Yay!! That makes me SO happy!! Sorry you didn’t have enough twine–I’ve totally done that before! Thank you so much for reading, and for commenting. Have fun creating!!! xo

      Reply

    • I didn’t use a finish on this project, because I don’t think it matters. I think you’re good leaving it as is, but a finish wouldn’t hurt it. If you do use one, I would suggest a matte finish! Thanks so much for stopping by!!! xoxo

      Reply

      • Sorry! I should have been more clear. What finish was the spray paint? Was it gloss or satin or flat or does it matter? Thanks!

        Reply

  33. Adorable! Any suggestions other than vinyl circles. I bought round xmas stickers and it didn’t work! I repainted over but need another suggestion. Thank you!

    Reply

    • What went wrong? Did they not stick? You could buy a sheet of vinyl at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Joann Fabric, then use a 1 inch circle punch to cut circles out. I’ve bought single sheet of vinyl before, or if you’re going to do it with friends, you could buy a roll–doesn’t matter which brand, just buy with they have! Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply

  38. I’m doing a craft night coming up and making these (Super adorable by the way). Do you think craft paint would work ok? My party is at night and not a lot of room at my house to spray paint:)

    Reply

    • Yes, you could use craft paint, but it will take a lot—it’s absorbed into the wood easily. It also takes a little longer to dry. If you plan for these possibilities, you should be fine!

      You can also spray paint outside–lay a tarp out on your driveway or porch, and turn on the outdoor lights–if you have space.

      Have fun! They are perfect for craft night! xo

      Reply

  39. Kierste, I just wanted to tell you that my 82 year old mom and I took the day together and made a set of these precious pumpkins for both of us! She used the cream color instead of the white but I made mine just like yours. We had so much fun doing these. For the dots, we used the circle yard sale stickers you use to put prices on items and they worked well. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful ideas with all of us:-) Tomorrow I plan to make your recipe for cinnamon swirl cake! Xoxo

    Reply

    • I LOVE that you made it together!! That’s one of the best parts about making things—making it with someone you love!! You’ll have to let me know what you think about the cake. :) xoxo

      Reply

  42. These are absolutely adorable. I am working on a set of these right now. Would acrylic craft paint work ok, ya think? Spray painting is such a mess. Any tips you can give me? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much! Yes, you can use craft paint. I don’t typically use it because it takes a lot more paint, and several coats, meaning more time. The wood soaks up the paint faster. But, it will totally work, and if you prefer it, you can definitely use it!

      When I spray paint, I lay out a tarp for protection. I have squares of plywood with nails poking out of it for my wood to sit on so it’s off of the ground, and I do a quick spray. If you’re in a confined space, or don’t have room to use spray paint, or don’t like the mess, then craft paint is a good option! Just buy more paint than you think you’re going to need, and you can always return it unopened if you don’t need it.

      Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions!

      Reply

  43. Added this to my Pinterest board for fall crafts I wanna do and included you on my blog for the November Blogathon for links to awesome fall crafts! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!!!!!

    Reply

  44. I am making this project and now that I’ve read through the mile of posts see that there were things you added or adjusted to the directions…would be helpful if you change he directions so that’s what we would have to go by.
    Thanks for posting, it is adorable.

    Reply

    • Hi Nanna,

      I’ll have to read through all the comments and make adjustments, thanks! I know there’s something in there about the width of the tape, but I couldn’t remember anything else. Thanks for reading!!! xoxo

      Reply

    • I am SO sorry, Becky! I don’t know how I missed this comment! I’m sure it’s way too late, but it really depends on heavy you are on the paint. I can usually get 3 sets at least out of a white can and orange can–maybe even 4 or 5.

      Reply

  46. Love these adorable pumpkins! Thanks for your cute post! We are thinking of doing these for a Super Saturday activity and we were wondering how long from start to finish they took to complete? Thanks again!

    Reply

    • Hi, Lacey! I’ve done these for several Super Saturdays, and they’re definitely doable within 3-4 hours. It’s really just waiting for the paint to dry–everything else is quick and easy. If the weather is nice, I’ve actually done spray paint instead of craft paint–because it dries so much faster, but craft paint can work too. I always suggest ladies making these come at the very beginning to get them painted–but if you were stretched for time, you could even pre-paint them white ahead of time (and if you had time to do it), so they only had to add the orange stripes. If you have any other questions, please let me know! You can also email me at simplykierste@yahoo.com–I respond there more quickly. xoxo

      Reply

  47. All these for less than $2?? :O How could I have seen this only when Halloween is just over.. Shall give it a try for this Christmas :D

    Reply

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