Let your dog help you paint the most adorable ghost pumpkin ever by using their paw print as a template. Then, add some spooky touches and enjoy your cute creation for many Halloweens to come!
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After Hunter and I created our BOO Paw Print Pumpkin project together, I had him do it again. He's not a big fan of having his paws touched. But now that he knows he'll get a treat after painting, the second time around went much smoother! And while we were making our second BOO pumpkin - this time a real pumpkin to set out on the front steps - I came up with another paw print project for us to work on together.
I started looking at the painted design Hunter's paws made on the pumpkin. I realized that upside-down, they could pass for a ghostly shape. So I went back to the craft store to grab supplies to make one last pumpkin project for the season. I bought another orange craft pumpkin, a bottle of white non-toxic acrylic paint, and some small foam sponges.
Last week, we went outside, yet again, to create another paw print pumpkin project (last one, I swear, Hunter!). This time, I turned the pumpkin upside-down to paint white paw prints. Once the paw prints were done, I filled them in to really create the ghost shape. When the paint dried, I added a face with black paint and a few extra Halloween touches to complete the pumpkin.
Ghost Paw Print Pumpkin
I wanted to move pretty quickly while making Hunter's paw prints, so I only used white paint. I thought about going over the ghost shapes with pastel paint colors, but it wouldn't really fit our decor. However, if that's more your style, go for it! You could even add cute details like bows or blush depending on how creative you want to get!
So here we go! I totally recommend taking this project outside. Or create a protected craft area where you can get messy. Then, make sure your pet's paws are clean and dry. Use a small foam sponge to apply white paint to their paw.
Flip the pumpkin upside-down. Working quickly, gently stamp your dog's paw onto the pumpkin. Repeat, as desired, and reapply the paint, if necessary.
When the pumpkin is stamped, use a pet cleaning wipe or a wet paper towel (or the hose, if outside) to wash off your pet's paw. Their job is done now, so give your good boy or girl a treat and let them hang out while you finish the pumpkin.
Use a paintbrush to fill in the paw print and create a ghost shape. Allow the paint to dry. Then, dot black eyes and a mouth to finish creating the ghost. I also added some simple bats to fill in some of the empty space around the pumpkin.
After the paint dried, I had another cute pumpkin - with a bit of sentimental value - to display and enjoy for years to come.
SUPPLIES
- 6 inch craft pumpkin
- Non-toxic white acrylic paint
- Non-toxic black acrylic paint
- Small foam sponge
- Small paint brushes
- Pet cleaning wipes
STEPS
- Clean and dry one of your pet's paws. Flip the pumpkin upside-down. Then, in a protected area to craft in, or outside, add white paint to one of your pet's paws and gently press it onto the pumpkin.
- If necessary, add more paint to the paw. Then, add 4 paw prints, in total, to the pumpkin. Wipe off your pet's paw.
- If desired, add extra details to the ghosts and in between them to fill in the gaps.
- Allow the paint to dry. Then, display!
I love that I now have a small collection of pumpkins that Hunter and I created together! They've been a fun bonding activity for us! As I said before with our last pumpkin project, if you want to display this outside, spray it with clear spray paint to protect the design. Then, keep it in a shady, covered area to protect it from the elements.
Did you make this Ghost Paw Print Pumpkin project? Share it on social media using the hashtag #holokahome. Don’t forget to tag me @holokahome!
