Yes, that was a gourd pun. Although I must admit that my all time favorite post title ever was Oh My Gourd (see that post here). Anyway, in case you couldn’t tell, this post is about gourds. I like injecting a little seasonal interest into our home in a few fun and inexpensive ways (think Halloween decor like this and Thanksgiving decor like this). And given my love of all things white and ceramic I couldn’t help myself when we came across these faux gourds at JoAnn Fabrics for 50% off their $2.99 price tag (so I grabbed all five for $7.45).
Then I spray painted the heck out of them with some white glossy paint. Hard to believe, I know. At least I’m consistent with my white object obsession.
Within a few minutes of spraying and a few hours of drying I was left with these babies. Which I’m happy to report not only look like glossy white ceramic creations, but also feel just like them too (they were made of dense foam that was a bit heavier than you’d expect, so the whole result is actually a lot more convincing than I thought it would be).
I like how they look grouped on a ceramic cake stand and definitely plan to work them into this year’s Halloween and Thanksgiving related decorating adventures. Speaking of seasonal decor, what are you guys doing to usher in the temperature change and those upcoming holidays? We had to put the heat on for the first time last night. Brr.
Aimee says
I love the idea of using these fake gourds and spray painting them! I was wondering, did you pick these up at the store in Midlothian or the one on Broad? I live in Mechanicsville and haven’t yet ventured out to the store in Midlothian…is it worth it?
YoungHouseLove says
The one in Midlothian (near 288)! We love that one!
xo,
s
the artist says
Since I am a bit cramped money and space wise- this is a really interesting idea! Currently, I am celebrating the colors and chills of fall with super cheap and cuddly blankets from walmart ( I confess. loved them so much i MAY have bought several. And by several I mean 5). Looking forward to more season inspired ideas!
Cecy says
Without even reading your post, this already looks hilarious. Your porceline hoarding is adorable and a little too much at the same time, but it’s nice to know you keep the same color theme going ;).
Lindsay says
Love them! Great idea!
Jackie says
Is t just me, or do some of those gourds look a bit suggestive. . .?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh now, maybe that’s my new obsession. Perverted faux ceramic items.
xo,
s
Kasaundra says
Sherry, that last comment you posted completely cracked me up!
I’m loving all the ceramic-looking stuff these days too. Our house is begging me to stop adding white in all shapes and sizes. Unlike you two, I haven’t yet mastered the art of color flow from room to room. But it is a goal and you’re my inspiration!
tasha roe says
GENIUS! Can’t wait to try this! I love spray paint and gourds. why didn’t I think of this before?!! you guys are GOOD!
Anna says
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
From Bali With Love,
Anna
http://annaelizabethpoole.blogspot.com/
Carmen says
Love the idea! By the way, do you remember how many coats that was that you used? They really do look like real ceramic ones. Looking good! Might have to give it a shot soon!
YoungHouseLove says
We used three thin coats (super thin, letting them dry fully between each one).
xo,
s
Carmen says
Thank you so much! Will give it a go! By the way, do you remember where you bought the flamingo fabric for Clara, it is just too cute. The fabric is cute and Clara is soooooo cute, adorable etc. Is it possible for you to add where you buy some of your fabric? Thanks and have a great weekend.
YoungHouseLove says
We get all of it at Hancock Fabric or JoAnn Fabrics (where we got the flamingos). We use coupons and get stuff on clearance since we’re cheap-os!
xo,
s
Kara says
What a great idea! I love spray painting stuff, so I’m gonna have to try this out.
http://sprinklesinsprings.blogspot.com/
Rebecca says
Did you spray the bottom of your stuff or only the tops? I tried a similar project & didn’t know what to do with the bottom. Practice makes perfect??
YoungHouseLove says
We sprayed all of it except the tiny base that was sitting on a quart of paint (which allowed us to get everything except for that). We figured no one was going to turn them over to see the very bottom so we left those alone.
xo,
s
Carey says
This project has me all stoked for fall. I lit a candle, bought a great cake stand at World Market/Cost Plus and some gourds at JoAnn’s for 5 clams. I’m getting my spray paint ready. Can’t wait. Thank you for this awesome project. Your site is seriously such a bright spot in my day. ;)
em says
Does painting the gourds preserve them so that they can be used year after year ?
YoungHouseLove says
These were faux gourds from the craft store. I think real ones would start to rot on the inside even if painted. Unless they were somehow dried out and then painted. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
em says
Thank you.. I kinda thought that but it’s the first time I’ve ever tried it and was hoping for a little magic… :-)
You have a great blog…. thanks for sharing !
Tracee says
I was looking back in your archives for spray painting help b/c I want to spray paint a set of ceramic dragons I inherited. They have a lot of nooks and crannies and hidden areas, and I’m wondering if you had any tips for painting something that isn’t “flat” like these gourds? I’m afraid I’m going to ruin them!
YoungHouseLove says
I would use spray primer + spray paint. Just keep the can moving- it’s a fine mist so it should get into grooves and cracks well. Just be sure not to apply too much! Three thin thin thin coats (like a fine mist) are much better than one thick drippy one!
xo,
s