18. Cozy Autumn Pumpkin & Acorn Garland
What This Idea Means
Rich, comforting, and seasonal, this pattern features heirloom pumpkins in sage, white, and rust, surrounded by brown acorns and falling oak leaves.
How to Make It
- Step 1: Paint heirloom pumpkin shapes using three overlapping vertical ovals—the center oval first, then two wider curved ovals on each side.
- Step 2: Use burnt umber to paint curved, woody pumpkin stems with tiny curling vine spirals.
- Step 3: Add small brown acorns topped with cross-hatched, textured acorn caps between the pumpkins.
- Step 4: Paint oak and maple leaves in rich shades of marigold, burnt sienna, and olive green to create a continuous garland.
Tips
- Paint pumpkins in unconventional heirloom colors (like muted sage green, creamy white, and slate blue) for a modern look.
- Shade the seams between the pumpkin segments with a slightly darker wash to create realistic depth.
Variations
- Monochrome White Pumpkin: Paint all-white pumpkins with soft gray ribs and gold metallic stems on an earthenware mug.
- Mini Pumpkin Rim Accent: Line up miniature 1 cm pumpkins along the top rim of the mug.