Halloween is the perfect time to unleash your creative spirit and add a touch of spookiness to your decor. Creating a bumpkin plate print is a delightful craft that combines unique artistry and Halloween fun. A bumpkin is a print of your bum (usually a child's), put on a plate & detail added to make it look like a pumpkin. Bum + Pumpkin = Bumpkin. In this step-by-step guide, we'll take you through the process of making your very own bumpkin plate print for Halloween. Let's get started on this fun and rewarding crafting adventure!
Materials You'll Need:
Ceramic Plate: Choose a blank ceramic bisque plate as your canvas (unglazed). Make sure it's clean and dry before you begin.
Acrylic Paints: Select Halloween-themed colors such as orange, black, green, and white.
Paintbrushes or sponges: Have various sizes of brushes/sponges to achieve different details & effects.
Palette or Paint Palette Paper: Use it for mixing and blending your paint colors. A paper plate will work well or a glazed kitchen plate, which can be washed & reused.
Paper Towels: Keep them handy for wiping brushes and blotting excess paint.
Water Container: Use it to clean your brushes between color changes.
Protective Surface: Lay down a protective layer to prevent paint spills on your working area.
Baby wipes: For cleaning the paint off your child's bottom!
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Lay down a protective surface to catch any paint spills. Arrange your materials within easy reach to ensure a smooth crafting experience.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bum!
As with your plate, make sure the bum being used for printing is clean & dry. Apply orange paint to each cheek (do a patch test first if you're not sure how sensitive your child's skin is to the paint you have). Use enough paint to coat the cheek but not too much that its dripping off. A sponge dabber or a paintbrush can be used to apply the paint, or a finger if a brush is too tickly. The paint will be cold!
Step 3: Make the print
There are many ways to transfer the print from bum to plate. Usually the easiest way is to place the plate on the table and gently lower the child onto the plate. Be careful not to put too much weight on the plate as you don't want it to break. Try to keep movements to a minimum to get the cleanest print. Remove the child & clean up using baby wipes or warm soap & water.
Step 4: From bum print to bumpkin
Once the print is dry (this can be sped along with a hair dryer) use a detail/thin paintbrush to add details. This part is your choice of how detailed you go & how many colours you use. For a quick & easy method use green paint to add a thick stalk at the top of the print & a couple spiral lines as vines.
Step 5: Add more detail (optional)
If you'd like to you can also add a few leaves. Adding you child's name & the year of the print can also add an extra personalised touch.
Step 6: Finishing Touches (optional)
Once everything is dry, examine your pumpkin plate print for any touch-ups or adjustments. You can also add additional Halloween-themed elements around the plate, such as bats or spiders.
Step 7: Seal the plate
Once your masterpiece is complete and thoroughly dry, apply a clear water based varnish over the entire plate. This will protect your artwork and give it a finished look.
Creating a bumpkin plate print is an exciting Halloween. This step-by-step guide has taken you through the process, from selecting materials to sealing your artwork. Embrace your creativity, have fun, and proudly display your handcrafted bumpkin plate print as a centerpiece of your Halloween celebrations!
