Coastal Pumpkin 🌊
Let's blend beachy vibes with autumn charm in this unique mixed-media art project! We’ll start by creating a decoupage background with a beach scene, then layer in a beautiful pumpkin, finishing with a touch of sparkle using glass accents and shells. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage, bringing coastal and seasonal style to your canvas.
For this art piece, we’ll be crafting a beachy decoupage background using a scenic napkin. Start by trimming the napkin to fit your canvas, then separate the layers until only the top printed layer remains. Brush a layer of Mod Podge onto the canvas, place the napkin on top, and gently smooth it down with your hands to remove any wrinkles. Once it’s secure, apply another coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal it. Tear away any extra napkin from the edges, then use a heat tool to speed up drying.
Grab your tracer, tape it to your canvas, place graphite paper underneath, and trace the pumpkin with a stylus.
Instead of tracing, I’ll be freehanding my pumpkin. Start by sketching an oval (egg shape) for the pumpkin base. On each side, draw several backward parentheses to form the pumpkin sections, then sketch in the stem.
Begin by painting the entire pumpkin white and drying it with a heat tool. Apply a second coat of white, then dry again. Now, we’ll work on one section at a time. Start with the center section, adding a coat of Bleached Sand. Blend white paint into the left side and Americana Wisteria into the right side. Repeat this blending technique for each section to complete the pumpkin’s shaded effect.
Paint the stem with Traditional Burnt Umber, blending in a touch of white on the left side for a subtle highlight. Take a liner brush and use Traditional Burnt Umber to add curly vines coming from the stem.
Next, use a small amount of darker purple on the corner of your brush to add shadows between each pumpkin section for depth. To soften and even out the colors, blend in a bit more white paint as needed across the pumpkin.
For a finishing touch, use a dry brush with Metallic Gold paint and gently drag it along each pumpkin section to add a bit of texture and shine. Add a few strokes of this gold to your beach scene background as well for a shimmer effect.
Use a graphic pen to add short, quick strokes outlining each pumpkin section, the stem, and the vines.
Now, let's add glass! I am going to add Starfire Glass to the bottom of my canvas.
We're going to elevate our canvas using blocks. Mix 1/2 oz total of ArtResin and stir gently for three minutes. Pour the resin onto your glass and canvas and use your gloved fingers or brush to spread it over the entire canvas. Add small seashells into your Starfire Glass and add extra resin on top. Finally, I'll sprinkle Crystal A/B seed beads along the purple areas of my pumpkin as well as my in my glass.
Use a heat gun to pop your bubbles. Keep your heat moving at all times!
If you don’t want to miss my Facebook LIVE art instruction, make sure you are on my texting list. I always text 10 minutes before I’m going to go LIVE, so you won’t ever miss it. You can text “Hey Cindy” to 901-519-2923.
*Supply lists and tracers are only available to members of The Shattered Circle. If you'd like to learn more about member benefits or get on the waitlist, click here.
Want more inspiration and artwork?
- My website artshattered.com with resources, shop, and more!
- My creative membership The Shattered Circle, where you can explore the world of glass art with online workshops, a supportive community, and more!
- My mini creative membership Just A ‘Lil Bit Monthly Glass Art Club, where you’ll get a new quick and easy online tutorial for just a lil' bit of sparkle in your life!
- My Facebook page where I go LIVE every Wednesday night at 6:00 PM PST.
- My YouTube channel which has tons of free art lessons right at your fingertips.
