I've had this idea on my brain for a while, it was a relief to get it accomplished this past weekend. Does everyone dream of chalkboard-paint-covered-pumpkins, or is it just me?
It started out with a couple of (fake) pumpkins from the craft store that my sister Megan picked up for me (thanks Mega).
If nothing else, it was a perfect excuse to try my hand at making homemade chalkboard paint using this recipe. The secret ingredient is sanded tile grout, which I'm sure you will want to know where to find in small quantities. Truth be told it was as easy as calling my husband and saying, "Could you bring me home approximately two tablespoons of sanded tile grout?" and there it was. The guy knows better by now than to ask questions. He's memorized my answer: "It's for a project...."
I grabbed a couple of pumpkin-colored paint samples from the hardware store (I'm trying to imagine a room the color of pumpkin pie. Can't quite visualize it.) I mixed up the paint and we got to work.
Pumpkins are surprisingly satisfying to paint. Who knew?
I admire Jack's technique and steady hand.
Especially since he's always working with a spunky little monkey on his back. Always.
And here are our write-on, wipe-off pumpkins on their way to dry. Making Jack-O-Lantern faces is fun, but with all of the parent-assisted carving, I feel that kids don't get enough of the face-making time. You know what I mean? So here's a perpetual pumpkin, ready for as many different faces as kids can dream up.
Tomorrow, bats.
