10/27/2026
Who knew a flowerpot could make such a cute pumpkin? 🍂
With a little orange paint, a few craft supplies and your favorite fall plant, you can transform an ordinary terracotta pot into an adorable pumpkin planter.
Perfect for decorating your porch, patio or entryway this fall!
Here's how to make it:
Materials
Terracotta pot with a drainage hole and matching saucer
Orange, black, and green acrylic craft paint
Exterior-rated paints if the planter will stay outdoors
Paintbrushes, including a small detail brush
Pencil
Painter's tape, optional
Clear exterior sealer suitable for painted terracotta
Potting mix
A small plant suited to your pot's size and location
Gloves or newspaper to protect your workspace
Instructions
1. Clean and dry the pot.
Brush off dirt and wipe the pot with a damp cloth. Let it dry completely before painting. If you're reusing a pot, thoroughly clean it first.
2. Paint your pumpkin base.
Paint the outside of the pot orange, leaving the inside and drainage hole unpainted. Apply a second coat once the first is dry for even coverage. You can paint the saucer orange, too.
3. Add a green rim.
Paint the top rim green to suggest the pumpkin's stem and leaves. Use painter's tape along the bottom edge of the rim if you want a clean line.
4. Sketch the face.
Lightly draw a jack-o'-lantern face with a pencil. Try triangle eyes and a toothy smile, or give your pumpkin round eyes and a friendly grin.
5. Paint the details.
Fill in the face with black paint and a small brush. For extra pumpkin detail, add subtle curved vertical lines using a slightly darker orange.
6. Seal the painted exterior.
Once the paint is fully dry, apply a compatible clear sealer to the painted outside, following the product's directions. Keep it out of the pot's interior and drainage hole, and allow it to cure completely before planting. Sealing helps protect the finish, but outdoor weather and moisture may still wear it over time.
7. Add your plant.
Fill the pot with potting mix appropriate for your plant.
