It is always so much fun for fall to arrive, with all the beautifully shaped and richly hued pumpkins, gourds, and vegetables at roadside farmers markets and produce departments of local supermarkets. Just a walk in the woods reveals jewel-toned leaves, branches, and berries to gather and add to the pumpkins and gourds to create welcoming doors and entrances, harvest arrangements, and bountiful tablescapes that will remain beautiful throughout the season.
Add the Midas touch to your harvest array with just a little time and effort, and achieve an amazing impact. And the golden Mississippi with a heart on a pumpkin will glean the attention of all your guests. Only a few supplies are needed to transform ordinary pumpkins and gourds into gleaming beauties.
These amazingly real-looking faux pumpkins and gourds were discovered at Annelle Primos and Associates in Jackson, Shipps’ Flowers in Brookhaven, and Hobby Lobby in Flowood. The fresh bittersweet is from The Fresh Market in Ridgeland, and the handmade weathered wooden shelf is from the Flowood Flea Market in Flowood.
HOW TO GILD PUMPKINS
For dotted pumpkin, dip a small round soft-tip stencil stick or sponge into Liquid Gold Leaf paint and carefully place dots randomly on pumpkin. Allow to dry for 24 hours, and spray with a thin coat of spray varnish according to directions on can.
For splatter pumpkin, dip a stiff medium-size brush into Liquid Gold Leaf paint, and splatter paint over pumpkin. Allow to dry for 24 hours, and spray with a very thin coat of spray varnish according to directions on can.
For vertically striped pumpkin, paint every other section of the pumpkin with a small brush and Liquid Gold Leaf paint. Allow to dry for 24 hours, and spray with a very thin coat of spray varnish according to directions on can.
