Friendly T-Rex Painted Pumpkin for Kids

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Wipe the pumpkin clean and dry it

   Craft paint sticks best to a clean, dry surface, so wash off any field dirt and let the pumpkin dry fully. Pick a pumpkin with a smooth, fairly flat front panel to paint on. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol helps the first coat grab.

2. 2

   Trace the dino outline in pencil

   Print a simple T-rex outline and tape it where you want it, then trace over the lines pressing firmly so a faint pencil impression transfers. If tracing is tricky, just draw the shape lightly in pencil freehand. Keep the pose simple: big head, open mouth, little arms, thick tail.

3. 3

   Paint the green body first

   Fill the whole dinosaur body with your main green and let it dry completely before adding anything else. Two thin coats look better than one thick one and are less likely to drip. Rinse your brush well before switching colors.

4. 4

   Add the belly, teeth, and eye

   Once the green is dry, paint the pale belly along the underside and a row of small white triangle teeth in the mouth. Add a white dot with a tiny black center for the eye. Let each color dry before painting a neighboring one so they stay separate.

5. 5

   Finish with claws and a seal coat

   Paint small dark claws on the hands and feet and tidy any wobbly edges. When everything is dry, a coat of clear craft sealer or Mod Podge protects the paint and adds a little shine. Display it anywhere, since there is no candle or cutting involved.