This pallet wood pumpkin project was so easy to do from start to finish. It started with the last pallet wood I had disassembled last year. Then I scavenged from the kids craft paint stash. Some dry brushing the paint on and swiping it off and it was done in time for the little trick or treatsters.

Get started today and by the end of the weekend you will have it done!

Step 1: Tools/Materials

Tools:

Table Saw
Band or Jig Saw
Drill / Bit
Sander
Paint Brush
Pencil
Clamps

Materials:

Pallet Wood. Enough to make two layers 30" x 24"
Wood Screws and/or Glue
Paint

Step 2: Pumpkin Boards

I used 11/16" thick pallet wood for the top layer. The size is arbitrary but I settled on 30" wide by 24" tall. Using a table saw, cut the boards to length. You don't need to be super accurate since you can clean up the edges at the end.

Step 3: Pumpkin Shape

I used a few guidance lines to center the pumpkin shape on the board. Then, use your best artistic ability to draw a pumpkin. I went over the pencil marks with a sharpie so it would be easier to see on the saw.

Step 4: Cut Shape

Use a jig or band saw to cut the boards to make the shape.

Step 5: Fit Check

If you cut everything correctly, you should have a nice pumpkin outline.

Step 6: Backing Boards

I used thinner boards for the back (~ 1/2" thick). Cut enough to completely cover the back side of the pumpkin. Make sure that the boards have a lot of rough texture and prominent grain showing along the board. Try not to use boards that have already split along the edges.

Step 7: Fit Check

Do a quick fit check at this point. You might want to arrange the boards to get varying colors for the final layout.

Step 8: Paint

The goal here is to get a rustic/weathered look but also have something that sticks out. Select about four or five basic colors for the pallet boards. Be sure to include some blue/green/grey/white colors to contrast with the warm tones. I chose the colors orange, red, yellow, green and blue.

Three of the boards are painted an orange shade as the primary color. One board is used for each of the other colors. Dry brush (and I mean dry) craft paint onto a board. Wipe off excess paint while it is still wet. To tone the color down further, wipe with a damp rag. You can layer a few brush stokes of a similar color on top. Be sure to blend everything together with a rag or paper towel. Get creative and enjoy the process.