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!
Could you not DIE????
STRIPED & POLKA DOT 4×4 WOOD PUMPKINS
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. Or, make these for others, and they become a really inexpensive and super adorable gift idea!
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.
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.
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!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! These are the perfect fall decor, because they can stay out for fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!
Other Fall & Halloween projects you might like…
Sandi Allen says
Love these! So Sweet!
Have a wonderful weekend!
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much, Sandi! Thanks for stopping by!! xoxo
Eveline van Heijst says
I love these. They look great.
Eveline.
simply {kierste} says
I’m so glad you like them!!! :)
Leigh Anne@Yourhomebasedmom.com says
Totally loving the amazing cuteness of these pumpkins!!! Making, pinning, loving!
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much, Leigh!!! xoxo
Stephanie says
Love them! You have the best projects, especially for the ‘diy iimpaired’…that would be me :)
Stephanie says
And evidently the spelling impaired…
simply {kierste} says
Lol. Anyone can do these! If you make them, let me know!!! :)
tonya says
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!
simply {kierste} says
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!!
patti says
OMG, these are so dang cute. I love them and want to make some..
simply {kierste} says
You totally should, Patti!! I think they’re even cuter in person!! xoxo
Kathy J says
I am in LOVE with these! I will make these this fall. Thank you!!!
simply {kierste} says
So glad you love them, Kathy!!! Thanks for popping by!!! xoxo
Pam - Housewives of Frederick County says
This is OH so cute!! Thankfully I have a husband who can do the cutting and drilling. I might just have to try this.
simply {kierste} says
You totally should…you will love them! :) Let me know how it goes! xoxo
Diane {Created by Diane} says
These are SOOOO cute!
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much!!! xoxo
katie says
These are so cute! I’ve found my next “Craft Night” project!
simply {kierste} says
Have so much fun! I’d love to see a picture of all of your craft night pumpkins!! :)
Alaina says
these are so stinkin cute!!!!! LOVE! Thanks, Kierste!
simply {kierste} says
You are so welcome, Alaina!!! Thanks for stopping by!!! xoxo
simply {kierste} says
These would be so perfect for a craft night–you guys have so much fun!!! xoxo
The Bearfoot Baker says
Oh my goodness! They are so so cute!! I want to make them right now:) Thanks for sharing!!
simply {kierste} says
You should! Lol. Thanks so much for coming by!!! :)
Natalie says
Do you prime you wood before the spray paintI can’t get my spray paint to layer well.
simply {kierste} says
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!!!
Natalie says
Thanks–just tried a nicer spray paint and it worked much better than my cheap stuff I use. Thanks for the tip!
simply {kierste} says
Oh good! So glad it worked!! xoxo
Carson says
I think these will make a great front porch decoration. Should I put a sealant on to protect the paint? Thanks for sharing!
simply {kierste} says
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
Mariel @ Or so she says... says
These are adorable, Kierste!
simply {kierste} says
Thank you, Mariel!!! xo
Handmade by Lauire says
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
Tammy says
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?
simply {kierste} says
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.
Desiree @ The 36th Avenue says
These are the cutest… I am pinning :)
simply {kierste} says
Desiree, thank you!!!! So glad you stopped by!! xoxo
Becky says
So cute! I am sharing these on my facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/BeyondThePicketFenceEtsyShopAndBlog
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much, Becky!!! :)
Amber says
I was hoping you could tell me what kind of wood did you use?
Thanks in advance!
simply {kierste} says
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.
Darcie Gordon says
I am having a horrible time finding any orange paint that isn’t a gloss… I’m assuming you didn’t use a gloss?
simply {kierste} says
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!!!
Cookie 17 says
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,,,
simply {kierste} says
I’m so glad!!! Thanks so much for letting me know! :) I love to hear about it!
Cheryl says
I have 4 sets in the works right now! Thanks for the inspiration…
simply {kierste} says
Four sets???!!! Fun!!
Dagmar says
I like your pumpkins so much! I think that I will try to make some too!
Until now I only did some of fabric.
Ami says
What finish of paint did you use? Gloss, satin, etc?
simply {kierste} says
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.
Dria says
These are so adorable! Sharing and pinning them :)
simply {kierste} says
Thank you so much, Dria!!! xoxo
Lindy says
These pumpkins are ABSOLUTELY gorgeous! I love them!
simply {kierste} says
Oh my goodness, Lindy, thank you so much!!! Glad you stopped by!!!
Courtney says
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!!
Courtney says
I can’t find where you added this craft on your Facebook page.
simply {kierste} says
I couldn’t find it either, which is SO weird! I know I posted it, lol! I went ahead and added it again–it’s there now!! Thanks so much!!! xoxo
Courtney says
no problem!
Barbara says
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.
Simply Kierste says
What a fun craft day!! I’m so glad you found me. :) Thanks so much of reading!!! xoxo
Kathy says
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:-)
Simply Kierste says
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
megan says
How darling! What finish did you use on the spray paint or does it matter?
Simply Kierste says
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
Megan says
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!
cindy says
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!
Simply Kierste says
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!
cindy says
Thanks – it worked! I love them!
Simply Kierste says
YAY! I’m so glad!!!
julie says
Is vinyl sheets sticky? Just wondering how they stick to the wood?
Simply Kierste says
Yes, vinyl sheets are sticky. Once you punch the holes out, peel off the back, and stick them onto the wood!
Sherry says
Oh I am giddy. I love them! I’ve made the firecrackers. But these are great! Thanks for including the ‘how to’ I’d love you to link to my Fabulous Fall linky party!!
http://myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com/2014/09/fabulous-fall-linky-party.html
Simply Kierste says
Thank you so much, Sherry! xo
Claudene Holloway says
Using this same concept…any ideas for Christmas?
Simply Kierste says
Yes! These are my peppermint striped candlesticks, and I love them! https://oldsaltfarm.com/2013/12/peppermint-striped-candlesticks.html
megan says
What kind of spray paint did you use? Was it gloss, satin, or flat.
Alicia says
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:)
Simply Kierste says
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
Kathy says
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
Simply Kierste says
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
Michele says
I <3 your sweet stripes and dots!!! Pinned
Simply Kierste says
Thanks so much for stopping by and pinning!!! xo
Deborah says
Aaaaaaadorable! This is great.
Simply Kierste says
Thank you so much, Deborah!!! So glad you stopped by!
Brenda says
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!
Simply Kierste says
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!
April Driggers says
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!!!!!
Simply Kierste says
Yay, thank you so much, April! So glad you love it!
Nanna says
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.
Simply Kierste says
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
becky strahan says
Too cute! How many blocks of wood do you think one can would cover?
Simply Kierste says
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.
Lacey says
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!
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
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
Elon says
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
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Yes!! Try it for Christmas–they’re so fun!! xo