It feels like the Teal Pumpkin Project has been around for a long time now thanks to all the families I see in our community placing colorful pumpkins by their front doors on Halloween to let their trick-or-treaters know that there’s a surprise for everyone waiting for them. But the project actually launched in 2014 – this is just year three, if you can believe it! No matter the length of time, the Teal Pumpkin Project is continuing to help raise awareness of food allergies and making sure that a fun holiday like Halloween is inclusive of all children.
Today you can find readymade teal pumpkins online, pick up a DIY kit to make your own or browse lots of Pinterest boards for decorating inspiration. If your family created a special teal pumpkin last year and would like to make a new one this year, try combining a quick, low-cost fall decorating trend to personalize a bright pumpkin to proudly display later this month.
Materials
- 1 craft pumpkin (take a look at this low-cost option from Target)
- Teal spray paint or craft paint (your choice depending on your child’s age)
- Black marker
- Silver pushpins
Instructions
There aren’t too many steps to make your pumpkin a reflection of your family’s Halloween spirit. Start by painting your pumpkin with your craft or spray paint. You may need to apply a few coats of color to the pumpkin depending on how the craft foam reacts to the paint. Wait in between coats of paint to make sure the pumpkin has dried thoroughly.
As your pumpkin is drying, decide on your design motif. Will you write a word, like “boo” or design a ghost? What about decorating the pumpkin all over? It’s all up to you.
If you’ve decided to add a word or shape to your pumpkin, use a black marker to draw your design. Your pins will hide the design so don’t worry about that. Using your pushpins, start creating your design. If you need to move a pin, that’s no big deal. Craft pumpkins are very forgiving and the pins can be adjusted.
Keep adding pins to complete your design. If you make a heart like I did, work one side of the heart at a time.
With your new pumpkin ready for Halloween night, have those treats ready! The Teal Pumpkin Project offers several fun ideas for non-candy treats your ghosts and ghouls are sure to love. You can even find more ways to help spread the word that your house is a must-stop destination.
