Infuse a touch of coastal charm into your fall decor and transform a thrift store glass pumpkin into a charming light-up DIY sea glass pumpkin centerpiece.
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Adding a touch of creativity and personalization to your home decor doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little imagination and some simple supplies, you can turn an ordinary thrift store glass pumpkin into a unique and beautiful sea glass-inspired centerpiece.
In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll guide you through the EASY process of creating a sea glass pumpkin using sea glass spray paint and a string of mini lights.
How to Use Sea Glass Paint to Spray Paint Colored Glass
This krylon sea glass spray paint is amazing for creating sea glass effect on plain clear glass. It is the most beautiful color, and really mimics the look of real sea glass. BUT – there is a bit of a learning curve.
It’s a difficult lesson I learned on these DIY Sea Glass Lanterns and then perfected on these DIY Sea Glass Bottles, so learn from my mistakes.
Most spray paint is opaque, so you won’t really notice if there is uneven coverage. However, this spray paint is more translucent. That means you need to be extra careful to get even coverage and avoid any sort of pooling.
The best way to accomplish this is by applying VERY light coats. And I mean VERY light. For this pumpkin, I probably applied 4-5 coats, letting them dry 5-10 minutes between each coat.
Video Tutorial
Watch this quick video tutorial to see how this craft came together:
Sea Glass Pumpkin
Infuse a touch of coastal charm into your fall decor and transform a thrift store glass pumpkin into a charming light-up DIY sea glass pumpkin centerpiece.
Materials
- Glass pumpkin (mine was a thrift store find)
- Rubbing alcohol and a piece of paper towel
- Sea glass spray paint (available at craft stores or at many home improvement stores)
- Mini string lights (battery-operated)
- Faux greenery, boxwood or any other kind you like
- Matte finish clear spray (optional, for added durability)
Instructions
- Watch the video tutorial before you begin, and let that be your visual guide for this project.
- Prep and Clean the Pumpkin Surface: In a well-ventilated area, place your glass pumpkin and the lid separately on a protected surface, such as a plastic drop cloth or old newspapers, to catch any overspray. Clean the glass surface with rubbing alcohol and paper towels to remove any dust, dirt, or fingerprints that could interfere with the paint's adhesion.
- Apply Sea Glass Spray Paint: Hold the sea glass spray paint can about 8-12 inches away from the glass surface and apply a light, even coat of paint. Start with short bursts of paint to avoid drips. Allow the first coat to dry for the time specified on the paint can (usually around 15-30 minutes), and then apply additional coats until you achieve the desired sea glass effect. Allow the final coat to dry completely.
- Add Mini Lights and Faux Greenery: Gently insert the faux greenery and mini string lights into the glass pumpkin. Arrange the lights evenly throughout the greenery. Turn on the lights to ensure they are evenly distributed and provide the desired effect. Place the lid back on the pumpkin.
- Seal the Finish: If you want to add an extra layer of protection to your sea glass pumpkin, you can apply a clear sealant spray. This will help prevent chipping and ensure the longevity of your creation.
- Display Your Sea Glass Pumpkin: Find the perfect spot to showcase your newly transformed sea glass pumpkin. The gentle glow of the mini lights will create a soothing ambiance, highlighting the sea glass finish and adding a touch of coastal charm to any room.
Here’s my finished pumpkin on our living room mantel. I love how it blends in perfectly with my growing collection of glass jars.
P.S. if you are interested in those framed botanical prints, you can read all about them in this tutorial for a reverse canvas window craft.
Don’t forget to PIN this Sea Glass Pumpkin for Later:
