Fall is my favorite time of year to decorate. There are no attached expectations (the wrapping of gifts, parties, big meals to prepare, etc.) to the beginning of this season. Our job is to enjoy the change of weather and here in Arizona we are pretty thankful for that.
I think this year I am extra appreciative to be able to mark the season because last fall I wasn’t feeling well. More on that later in the post For now I want to share the terra cotta pumpkin holder that I created to display a ceramic pumpkin next to my free printable from Diane at An Extraordinary Day P.S. – It only cost me $1.67 to have this printed. I already had the frame. Isn’t it so cute?
I liked Diane’s arrangement so much and knew I wanted to do something similar so off to the thrift store I went. No candlestick but I did find a similar looking pumpkin for $1.99 and that made me do a happy dance. Knowing the candlestick wasn’t in my immediate future – I started to think outside the box and spied this old terra cotta pot on my 5th trip down the same row. – Hmm! What if I turned it upside down? The pumpkin fit perfectly and the height was good so another $.99 was spent.
When I got home, I removed the tags with a little Goo Gone Spray and gave it a water bath. Then I took my shoebox size box of painting supplies and found an Expresso Brown Outside Paint from DecoArt that was brand new. This is my new favorite color.
You can see how rich the color is after a few coats. I also painted the inside of the pot and gave it a spray of matte sealer. This way it can be reused in the years to come for all kinds of things: pinecones with berries, etc. I’m so happy I still have 2/3 of the paint bottle left – I see other projects in my future. It was then time to remove the tags off of the pumpkin and give it a good cleaning.
Most of my decorating items are from discount stores or taking something from a thrift store and giving it a bit new life like this pot. And sometimes in my treasure hunts – there is actually something that is brand new or practically brand new that just needs a home. This is one way I have stayed within our budget and made the holidays a little extra special.
As I mentioned I’m pretty appreciative being able to decorate this year. Last fall brought 2 cases of shingles my way which kept me on the couch most days. Want to learn more about Shingles? – Click Here This was the 3rd time for me so last week I got the Shingle Vaccine Okay I’m going to rant just a little – Because I’m not 60 I had to pay for the vaccine – $220.00 – Really? insurance company, take a look at what you paid for last fall – okay enough of that – spending too much time on the what’s not working can easily steal my joy from all the things that are are so right.
One last picture – There is something magical about creating something new from something old.
Love your comments 🙂

I love it!!! Debbie you are so resourceful! And how fun to find the same gourd/pumpkin that I had displayed in my vignette?! That’s a God thing. Yes? Your paint color is perfect, too. Everything came together so well. I’m so glad that you are experiencing good health now. That is the worst disease. I’m truly blessed that you found my printable and vignette inspiring. You should see the smile on my face. 😀
Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!
[hugs] ~Diane
Hi Diane – Thanks. So much fun to find the same pumpkin and definitely feel it was a God thing. I know could the paint color have matched any better? You are so creative to design the printable and kind to share it with others. I’m glad seeing my display made you smile.
Very creative! Love what you did with the flower pot and using it as a stand for the pumpkin! Clever! My goodness, Shingles? I’m so sorry. Hope the vaccine is working. Have a blessed day!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. It’s fun to take something old and make it new. I popped over and left a message on your blog.
Debbie
Amazing what a little paint, and re-purposing can do. – Love your creativity with the changing seasons and decorations! You truly are an inspiration!
Sweet Melissa – We painted some awesome wooden snowmen many years ago, didn’t we. Thanks for taking the time to leave a message. Have a blessed day.
I love it!!! So very creative and beautiful!!! I love the way you repainted the little pot, it turned out better than new, and the little pumpkin. You have a wonderful talent. God bless you!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and your kind words.
Great idea. Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend.
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
Love that color! I’m going to have to search for it. Thanks for sharing! Stop by my Friday’s Five Features this week and link up this post (and others)! http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com
Hi Becca,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you find the color; it’s so pretty.. I’ll take a peek at your site.
Thank you Diane.