DIY: how to make beautiful Old World pumpkins out of plain orange ones

What do you do when company is coming?

But wait--not just any company, what if it's a beautiful, blonde woman with Parisian connections, who travels in the design world with ease, and who has renovated not just one--but two homes in the last few years? 

Yep, one of those talented, smart, efficient gals who would be intimidating if she wasn't so darn humble and sweet.

But she's still company. And she's coming!

Ok.

Well maybe not exactly in person, but Michele Ranard of Hello Lovely Studio is coming to my blog next week and of course, that means I need to get ready for her. Figure out what she and her sophisticated friends would enjoy from this hostess, because oh-did I tell you? I'll be meeting them too, over at her place. 

If you're already a fan of Michele's you know her love of all things French.... elegant, simple and rustic. When I think of Michele's style it runs the gamut of

French-Farmhouse. European Countryside. Parisian Sophistication. And Scandinavian simplicity.   

And so with this in mind, I've decided to welcome Michele with some subtle European touches at my front door and, since it's so close to Halloween...well I can't resist adding a special Gothic surprise for a little fun.  

But first, let's talk pumpkin transformation for this special visitor!

I decided to begin by transforming these basic orange pumpkins into something more elegant and Old World. 

I decided to apply a soft metallic palette using shades of greens and blues.

 I began by adding layers using a large stencil brush I already owned....

I applied metallic gold paint to the stems and added this gold to the pumpkins by dabbing it lightly into the layers.

You can see the color scheme on my paper plate. 

What do you think?

Are you feeling an old European vibe here?

I can't wait to show you the simple details I'm working on that will blend with these pretty pumpkins.

Hint: when you think of European style and the outdoors, don't you automatically think of classic urns and aged concrete garden sculptures?

Well how about a DIYer garden sculpture--am I that crazy?

The answer is YES!

Stay tuned for more French-styling at my front door. 

xo

Leslie

sharing this post here:
Feathered Nest Friday