Cowgirl Autumn Bliss: DIY Coastal Cowgirl Decoupage Pumpkins with Aqua Cowhide & Western Charm

It all started last year when my social feed was overflowing with pumpkin-related DIY projects – everything from confetti-painted to decoupaged pumpkins. I couldn’t resist trying a few myself! There were plenty of coastal-inspired ideas, but I felt like something was missing – the cowgirl twist.

That’s when we at Saltsy decided to create a coastal cowgirl-themed pumpkin trio. Our larger pumpkin even features a stunning floral topper, giving it that extra wow factor. These pumpkins are decked out with our exclusive artwork – think autumn-colored flowers, cowgirl boots, saddles, longhorn skull designs, and horseshoes – all brought to life with a metallic aqua base and a subtle shimmer of antique copper for a touch of fall magic.

Whether you’re a DIY pro or just testing the waters, this project is simple, fun, and full of opportunities to make it your own. Ready to get started?

Materials You’ll Need:

• Faux Pumpkins – you can find at most of your local craft stores. Ours came from Michaels and Hobby Lobby!
• Rice Paper – Rice paper is a great option for decoupage because it allows you to print your own designs. Download the Saltsy Cowgirl Art FREE printables (link below) and print them on rice paper for this project to add that perfect cowgirl flair!
• Sharp Pointed Scissors – for precision cutting of the decoupage art. We used our Cricut scissors!
• Mod Podge (Matte) – a staple for any decoupage project.
• Paint Brushes – both large and small to apply your mod podge and paint with ease.
• Primer – this is key to making sure the paint adheres smoothly.
• Acrylic Paint Accents – I went with a beautiful metallic aqua for that coastal touch (Folk Art Treasure Gold Metallic Paint Aquamarine)
• Shimmer Paint Spray – I used Antique Copper from Craft Smart to add a bit of sparkle.

Accents:

• Ribbons – in various sizes to add a soft, feminine touch.
• Faux Flowers – 6 little bouquets were enough for this project, but you can adjust based on your pumpkin size.
• Foam Floral Half Dome – perfect for crafting a gorgeous floral arrangement on top of your pumpkin.
• Hot Glue – for securing your accents.
• Wire Cutters – to trim your faux flower stems.
• Rope – for a rustic touch around the pumpkin’s stem.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Your Pumpkin: Start by priming your pumpkin with a coat of primer. This will ensure your paint sticks nicely to the surface and gives your pumpkin a flawless base.
2. Paint Your Pumpkin: Once the primer has dried, get creative with your acrylic paints. I chose a metallic aqua for my pumpkin, but feel free to play with colors that fit your personal style.
3. Decoupage Time!: Print your art files featuring saddles, cow skulls, and those beautiful autumn blooms. After cutting out your shapes with sharp-pointed scissors, apply a small dot of Mod Podge to the back of each piece and place them around your pumpkin. Don’t worry about creases – it’ll all blend beautifully! Once everything is spaced just the way you like it, go over the top with more Mod Podge to secure your designs.
4. Add Some Shimmer: Take your shimmer paint spray and add a light dusting of antique copper across your pumpkin for that extra touch of sparkle.
5. Create a Floral Topper: Using a spoon (or your fingers!), carve out a small space on the top of your pumpkin for the foam floral dome to sit securely. Once it’s in place, arrange your faux flowers as you like and secure them with hot glue.
6. Final Touches: To finish off the look, wrap some rustic rope around the stem of your pumpkin, and don’t forget to add ribbons for that perfect cowgirl touch!

Tips & Tricks:

• When decoupaging, I found it helpful to use small dots of Mod Podge to secure my designs before fully committing. This way, I could adjust everything to make sure the spacing was just right before sealing it all in place.
• Larger shapes can cause some creasing on the rounded surface of the pumpkin, but don’t worry – it adds character, and the end result looks amazing!
• If your floral foam isn’t sitting flat on your pumpkin, just squish it a bit with your fingers or the end of a paintbrush until it fits perfectly.
• Planning on displaying your pumpkins outside? Make sure to add a protective sealing layer to keep them looking fresh all season long.

Bringing It All Together:

This project is a perfect mix of fall vibes and cowgirl spirit, combining coastal flair with rustic charm. The aqua cowhide print gives a nod to the beach, while the western-inspired accents and autumn faux flowers capture that cozy fall feeling. And of course, the shimmer spray adds just the right touch of magic to pull it all together.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies, pour yourself a cup of coffee (or maybe something stronger!), and let’s get crafting. I can’t wait to see how your own “Cowgirl Autumn Bliss” pumpkins turn out.

Happy crafting, y’all!