Nurses Make a Difference Painted Pumpkin

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Clean and sketch the layout

   Wipe the pumpkin with a damp cloth and let it dry so paint grips the skin. Choose the flattest, roundest face for the nurse and pick a spot to the side for the text. Lightly sketch the figure, mug, clipboard, heart, and word placement in pencil. Step back often to check that everything is centered and sized to fit the curve.

2. 2

   Block in the big color shapes

   Start with the largest areas: the blue scrubs, the skin tone of the face and hands, and the brown hair. Use acrylic craft paint and a medium round brush, and leave the orange skin bare where you want the pumpkin color to show. Let this first layer dry completely, then add a second coat for solid, even color. Painting light shapes before dark outlines keeps edges clean.

3. 3

   Add the props and details

   Paint the white travel mug, the dark clipboard, and the gray stethoscope once the base is dry. Add the rosy cheeks and the small red hearts. Keep the mug label white and blank for now so you can letter it later. Wait for full drying between any overlapping colors so they do not smear together.

4. 4

   Outline and letter

   With a fine liner brush or a black paint pen, trace the outlines of the figure, the smiling face, and the props to make them pop against the orange. Add the 'Fueled by Care' text on the mug and the 'Nurses Make a Difference' message to the side. Rest your hand on a folded towel to steady it, and letter slowly so the lines stay crisp. If you are nervous about freehand, pencil the words first and paint over them.

5. 5

   Seal and display

   Once everything is bone dry, brush on a thin coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect the paint and add a soft sheen. Set the pumpkin on a table or a nurses station where the light hits the face. Because nothing is cut, it will last for weeks with no scooping needed. Snap a photo in daylight to share the finished gift.