How To DIY High End Black Terracotta Pumpkins

If you’ve been scrolling home décor inspo lately, you’ve probably noticed it: black terracotta pumpkins popping up everywhere—from Pottery Barn to Crate & Barrel to Anthropologie. They’re trendy, modern, and perfect for adding a touch of high-end style to your fall décor.

The only problem? They can cost a small fortune.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to break the bank to get the look. With a few thrifted pumpkins, some Fusion paint, a Dixie Belle glaze and a little wax magic, you can DIY your own black terracotta pumpkins that look straight out of a designer catalog—without anyone ever guessing they’re budget-friendly.

Items Needed:

*Product can be purchased directly through my website [www.juliesdesignsandsigns.com]

SHOP JULIES DESIGNS & SIGNS

Terracotta pumpkins have been all the rage the past few years—and I’m not going to lie, I still love the look. But this season, the trend has taken a sleek twist: black matte terracotta pumpkins!

And where did this DIY adventure begin? Yep, the Goodwill Bins! I spotted a few plastic pumpkins and immediately knew they’d be perfect for this high-end makeover.

The plastic pumpkins were smooth, and I knew I wanted to add some texture for this look.

To achieve it, I mixed Fusion Mineral Paint with Dixie Belle Sea Spray to create the perfect textured finish. I chose the color Ash from Fusion’s paint line—a rich, off-black shade that’s perfect for chic Halloween décor.

To create texture in the paint, I poured it into a plastic cup and stirred in the Sea Spray. This additive works with any type of paint, and the amount you use will control the level of texture—the more you add, the more pronounced the texture will be on your product.

Using a STAALMEESTER Pointed Sash Brush, I applied 2 coats of the black paint to the entire pumpkin.

As you can see in the photo, the Sea Spray adds just the right amount of texture to achieve the exact look I was going for.

Next, I let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step!

I used a Dixie Belle French Tip paint brush to apply Dixie Belle Van Dyke Glaze in the grooves of the pumpkin.

Then I grabbed a clean paper towel and wiped off the excess glaze. This step adds so much dimension and really makes the texture pop.

You can see the difference between the pumpkin without the glaze and the one with the glaze! The more colors and textures I added to these pumpkins – the more high end they looked!

You all already know I wasnt going to stop there though! In the inspiration picture it looks like there was some white texture on the pumpkins as well so I grabbed Dixie Belle White Wax and dry brushed it on.

Using a STAALMEESTER pointed sash brush and a clean paper towel, I dry-brushed the wax onto the pumpkins. The great thing about wax is that it’s very forgiving—if you add too much or notice visible brush strokes, you can simply wipe it away with a paper towel and smooth everything out.

Adding that extra layer of color made these pumpkins look even more like real pottery! It also highlighted all the texture I created on the plastic pumpkins so I’m very happy with how they turned out!

If you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at DIY home decor, thrift store finds are such a fun and affordable way to start. You get to be creative, try something new, and end up with pieces that feel uniquely you.

BONUS DIY TIP:

For a unique twist on the classic black pumpkin look, try swapping out your black paint for Dixie Belle Terra Cotta Chalk Paint. This gives your pumpkins a warm, rustic vibe that mimics real terra cotta—perfect for farmhouse or boho fall décor.

Want to create the faux terra cotta look? Just switch the paint and watch your pumpkins transform instantly!

Other fall Projects to check out

This blog is all about How to Turn a Goodwill Thrifted Wall Pocket into Stylish DIY Home Decor

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