How to Paint a Pumpkin Ella Shopkins Jack-o'-Lantern

Updated at: 19/03/2025

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a uniquely adorable Jack-o'-lantern? This year, ditch the traditional spooky designs and embrace the cuteness overload of Ella Shopkins! This charming character, with her sweet smile and signature outfit, is perfectly suited for a fun and festive pumpkin transformation. Forget the scary carving – we're focusing on painting a masterpiece that's as delightful as Ella herself. We'll be using vibrant, kid-friendly paints to bring this tiny shop assistant to life on your pumpkin.

Get ready to unleash your inner artist and transform your ordinary pumpkin into an extraordinary Ella Shopkins Jack-o'-lantern! This guide will walk you through a simple, step-by-step painting process, perfect for both seasoned crafters and enthusiastic beginners alike. So grab your paints, brushes, and a pumpkin, and let's get started on creating this adorable Halloween decoration.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • small pumpkin
  • Sharpies (black, green)
  • red or pink acrylic paint
  • white acrylic paint
  • green acrylic paint
  • paint brushes
  • plate
  • paper towels
  • water jar
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise young children when painting pumpkins and using craft supplies. Keep paints and small craft items out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
  • Use non-toxic paints specifically designed for use on food surfaces, or seal your painted pumpkin with a food-safe sealant if using other paints. This is crucial if you plan to display it near food or intend to use it for food-related activities.
  • Ensure proper ventilation when painting to minimize inhaling paint fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sketching the Face

    • Draw the eyes using a black Sharpie. Draw two circles of the same size in the middle or bottom portion of the pumpkin.
    • create loops on the sides of the eyes, and small loops connecting to the sides of the Jack-o'-lantern.
    • Draw smaller inner circles within the eyes, and a small circle near each eyelash.
    • Draw a small 'C' shape for the nose at the bottom of the eyes.
    Draw a small 'C' shape for the nose at the bottom of the eyes.Draw a small 'C' shape for the nose at the bottom of the eyes.Draw a small 'C' shape for the nose at the bottom of the eyes.Draw a small 'C' shape for the nose at the bottom of the eyes.
    Sketching the Face
    • a straight line across, a big 'U' shape connecting to the line, and a curved line for the tongue.
    • Draw a leaf at the bottom using loopy lines with sharp points and curves.
    • Draw hands using large loops below the mouth.
    Draw hands using large loops below the mouth.Draw hands using large loops below the mouth.Draw hands using large loops below the mouth.
    Sketching the Face

  2. Inking the Face

    • Fill in the eye areas with black Sharpie. You can use your finger to smear and get rid of marks while the ink is still wet.
    Fill in the eye areas with black Sharpie. You can use your finger to smear and get rid of marks while the ink is still wet.
    Inking the Face

  3. Painting the Eyes

    • Fill in the eye whites with white paint, using a small round brush.
    Fill in the eye whites with white paint, using a small round brush.
    Painting the Eyes

  4. Painting the Mouth

    • Paint the mouth with pink (mix red and white acrylic paint).
    Paint the mouth with pink (mix red and white acrylic paint).
    Painting the Mouth

  5. Painting the Leaf

    • Paint the leaf with light green (mix white and green).
    Paint the leaf with light green (mix white and green).
    Painting the Leaf

Read more: Reverse Silhouette Painting: Underwater Scene Masterclass

Tips

  • If you make mistakes with the Sharpie, you can smear it with your finger while it's wet.
  • Don't paint over your Sharpie lines when painting the leaf. This helps to define the leaf's shape.
  • If you mess up with the paint, you can use your finger to blend or correct it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Paint Application

Reason: Applying too much paint at once or using a brush with too much paint can lead to drips and uneven coverage, ruining the detailed features of the Ella Shopkins design.
Solution: Apply thin, even coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another.

2. Incorrect Color Choice

Reason: Using colors that clash or don't match the Ella Shopkins character's signature colors will make the jack-o'-lantern look inaccurate and less appealing.
Solution: Refer to images of Ella Shopkins to ensure accurate color selection.

3. Ignoring Pre-Painting Prep

Reason: Skipping steps like cleaning or priming the pumpkin's surface can result in poor paint adhesion and a lackluster final product.
Solution: Clean and lightly sand the pumpkin surface before applying any paint to ensure proper adhesion.

FAQs

What kind of paint should I use to paint my Ella Shopkins pumpkin?
Acrylic paints are ideal for painting pumpkins. They're readily available, dry quickly, and provide vibrant, long-lasting colors. Craft paints or even tempera paints will also work well.