We’re all for the cozy classical fall decor with its warm oranges, deep browns, and everything pumpkin spice, but sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a bit. 🍂 Why not add a pop of fresh color for a more boho, painterly take on autumn?

One of our favorite ways to do this is with pumpkins dressed in IOD Transfers or Paint Inlays. If you love seasonal decor that you don’t have to store all year, then real pumpkins are your go-to. Use up those extra transfer scraps or inlay bits and enjoy them for the season. But if you’re more of a “heirloom” maker, head to your local craft store for some faux pumpkins in dreamy colors and varied sizes.

Layer florals on a plump ivory pumpkin or tuck a painterly motif into the gentle ridges of a soft sage beauty. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to choose your pumpkins, prep them for transfers, and arrange a darling composition that looks intentional.

Grab your pumpkins, gather those IOD scraps you’ve been saving (you know the ones 😉), and let’s give fall a fresh, creative twist!

• Wander Transfer

• A Variety of Pumpkins (Real or Faux)

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: GATHER & CLEAN YOUR PUMPKINS

First things first, decide whether you’re going to use fresh or faux pumpkins. Both can be absolutely gorgeous! If you’re using fresh pumpkins, this is the perfect opportunity to use up those transfer scraps (or even inlay leftovers!) without worrying about storing them after the season.

Or, head to your local craft store and scoop up some faux pumpkins in a mix of dreamy colors and sizes. They’ll be ready to pull out year after year.

Tip: Keep an eye on those ridges! The deeper they are, the trickier it can be to get transfers to lay down nicely. If you fall in love with one that has those dramatic grooves (like our bold orange beauty), consider using paint inlays instead. They nestle right into those nooks and crannies like a dream. You can also opt for pumpkins with softer, gradual ridges for an easier transfer application.

STEP TWO: PAINT YOUR PUMPKINS

We really liked the finish on our pumpkins, so we kept them just as they were, but you can absolutely paint your pumpkins beforehand if they just aren’t your colors. Just let the paint dry completely before continuing. If you’re using a chalk-type paint, go ahead and seal before you get to transferring.

STEP THREE: ARRANGE YOUR COMPOSITION

To start, we trimmed a section from our Wander Transfer, just about the width of the “flattest” part of our pumpkin. We let a little curve up toward the stem for a natural look, but not too much. And don’t stress if you catch a stray stem or petal in your cut; once it’s all on there, those little bits blend right in beautifully.

As you apply, take your time working the transfer gently into every dip and ridge of the pumpkin. This is where patience pays off; you’ll get that smooth, seamless look that makes the whole thing feel intentional.

For our orange pumpkin, these were some serious divots. If you have one like that and really want to use it, it helps to have a second pair of hands to help push it into the divots as you make your way around. Don’t try to lay it on flat and then shove it in the crevices—that will just lead to overlap and cracking. Go slow, and burnish well after each one.

STEP FOUR: SEAL YOUR PUMPKINS

Give your pumpkins a quick coat of water-based sealer (this step’s just for the faux ones), and you’re good to go! Then simply repeat the process for as many pumpkins as you wish. 🥰

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!