DIY Terracotta Pumpkins: Pottery Barn Dupe with Baking Soda

When I saw the terracotta pumpkins at Pottery Barn, I knew I could make my own. These DIY terracotta pumpkins take three simple steps, and the rich, rough texture comes from a pantry staple: baking soda. I made mine from faux pumpkins and gourds I bought years ago for a centerpiece and no longer loved. Here is the short answer: To make DIY terracotta pumpkins, paint a faux pumpkin with a thick coat of terracotta colored paint. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle on baking soda and work it in for a rough, clay-like texture. When it is almost dry, dust with flour and brush it downward.

Via Pottery Barn

Why Make a Pottery Barn Terracotta Pumpkin Dupe?

I bought these faux pumpkins and gourds a few years ago for a centerpiece and I no longer loved them. I could have just gotten rid of them, but I knew I could turn them into something else. Does this ever happen to you? I wanted to recreate the ones I saw in Pottery Barn and make mine look like they were made of terracotta. Mine look a little different from the originals, but I still think they look like the real deal.

And this is what I got! I absolutely love them.

What Do You Need to Make DIY Terracotta Pumpkins?

• Faux pumpkins or gourds. Mine are plastic.
• Sherwin Williams paint in Pottery Urn. I just bought a sample at Lowe’s for $5.
• Any brown craft paint to “age” the pumpkin
• Chip brush
• Baking soda
• Flour

How to Make Faux Terracotta Pumpkins in 3 Steps

1. Paint your pumpkin or gourd with Pottery Urn in a nice thick coat. You can paint the stems in the same or different color, or not paint them at all.
2. Sprinkle baking soda on the pumpkin while the paint is still wet, and work it into the paint to create a rough texture. You can also sprinkle it on a plate and work from that like I did.
3. Add little strokes of brown craft paint over the went paint in different areas, especially the creases, to add the aged affect. I highlighted the round parts that stuck out on mine to look like they had been exposed and aged.
4. Dust flour all over the pumpkin when the paint is almost dry, then gently brush downward toward the base with the brush. Work the flour into the creases.

Why Does Baking Soda Make Paint Look Like Terracotta?

Baking soda adds grit to the wet paint, which gives the surface a rough, matte, clay-like texture instead of a smooth plastic shine. That texture is what makes DIY terracotta pumpkins look like real pottery.

Tips for Faux Terracotta Pumpkins

• Work while the paint is wet. The baking soda only sticks and blends well in wet paint.
• Brush the flour downward so it settles like dust toward the base.
• Mix sizes and shapes. Gourds and pumpkins together make your DIY terracotta pumpkins look like a collected set.
• Each paint sample cost about $5, and the whole project took me an afternoon. Use brown craft paint from the craft store in any color to age.
• Seal them if they are going outside. Mine are not sealed because they stay indoors, but a spray paint sealer would protect them from the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a DIY terracotta pumpkin?

Paint a faux pumpkin with a thick coat of terracotta colored paint. While it is still wet, sprinkle on baking soda and work it in. When the paint is almost dry, dust it with flour and brush downward.

How do you paint plastic pumpkins to look like terracotta?

I used Sherwin Williams Pottery Urn, a warm terracotta shade. Any rich clay colored paint will work. The baking soda and flour are what make it look like real pottery.

What gives paint a terracotta texture?

Baking soda. Sprinkle it onto wet paint and work it in for a rough, matte, clay-like finish.

Do you need to seal DIY terracotta pumpkins?

It depends on how you will use them. Mine are not sealed because they are just for display indoors. If yours will go outside, spray them with a spray paint sealer.

Can I paint old faux pumpkins and gourds?

Yes, old faux pumpkins and gourds are perfect for this project. Painting them is a budget friendly way to update decor you no longer love.

Want more ideas?

See all 3 ways to paint faux pumpkins, including my faux heirloom pumpkins and hand painted glass pumpkins.

Need more Fall inspo? Check out my fall porch ideas, these 30+ Amazon Fall finds, and these pretty Fall wreaths.

Until next time, stop waiting. Start creating.