Outreach for Librarians: Pumpkin Painting

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Size of pumpkins – Since students are going to take these with them, medium and small pumpkins are easier to carry and are less expensive than large pumpkins.
• Medium size pumpkins give adequate surface to paint on vs. small pumpkins, and students seem to prefer the medium pumpkins to the small or large pumpkins.
• While you want to get your pumpkins before they sell out, you don’t want to get them too early because of spoilage and the mess it makes.  Consequently, doing this activity a week before Halloween can be helpful.
• If there is ANY soft spot on the pumpkin, do NOT buy it.
• Once you have bought the pumpkins, check them frequently for spoilage and “leakage”.  If you find a leaking pumpkin, throw it away.
• This activity can be expensive because of buying pumpkins and painting supplies. 

Pumpkin Painting

Objective:  Students will be able to paint pumpkins

Why:  Students exercise creative skills in this Make ‘N Take, and it can be an opportunity for the library to collaborate with other departments in Pumpkin, Halloween or Fall Festivals. 

Supplies: 

Pumpkins, acrylic paints in various colors, paintbrushes, paper towels, plastic bowls for water, paper plates to hold the paint, tables, chairs, plastic table clothes, brown shipping/wrapping paper or other long rolls of paper to put underneath the tables, rolls of  2-3” tape, scissors for cutting tape and paper, packing tape dispenser (optional),

How To:

Set Up:

• Unroll the lengths of paper and tape down the edges to prevent tripping hazards.  The taped-down paper will make cleanup easier.
• Place tables on top of paper.
• Put down plastic table clothes
• Place unpainted pumpkins on one or two tables
• Have separate tables for painting
• Put 2-3 colors of paint on paper plates.  Hint: Don’t start with a lot of paint because it takes less than you think.
• Place paper plates with paint within easy reach.  You will probably need at least two of each color on a 5-6’ table.
• Place bowls of water for cleaning brushes on the tables.

During the event:

• Assign someone to change out the dirty water for fresh water and to refill the paints.
• Painters will also need access to paper towels to dry off their paintbrushes.
• Optional: Take pictures of completed pumpkins for future marketing.