Do you appreciate a good dupe or knock-off at the fraction of the cost of the original? Well, who doesn’t right? That’s exactly what we are going for today with this MacKenzie Childs black and white pumpkin dupe DIY. The Courtly pattern is my favorite by MacKenzie Childs and today I will share a technique to reproduce the look.
This knock-off project is easy, economical and looks fantastic. More than enjoying the crafting process for myself, I love, love to share craftiness with others who enjoy it too. Please join me as we get crafty together.
The Gist
The Mackenzie Childs Pumpkin Look at a Fraction of the Cost
> Styled 2 Ways Collaboration
> Use high end pieces to inspire and recreate the look at a fraction of the cost
> Step by step guide to reproduce the MacKenzie Childs whimsical pumpkin design
> > Discover tips and recommendations for crafting at home
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Welcome to Styled 2 Ways – Fall Craft Edition
The place where the same idea is shared with different POVs.
Join us…
Styled 2 Ways Collaboration
Styled 2 Ways is a collaboration between myself, MaryJo @Masterpieces of my Life, & Susan @From the Bay to the Beach. Two different points of view for a particular styling, project or concept are shared. A guest host sometimes includes another styling for triple the fun. We publish on the 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 4AM Pacific Time. Thank you for joining us; it’s lovely to have you here.
Although Susan and I both like many of the same things, we both have unique styles of our own, and we want to share how the same idea can be expressed in different ways. Both ways are equally as fantastic, and appreciating other unique takes on the same idea expands our own personal style.
When you are done here, please hop over and check out Susan’s pumpkin DIY decor. If you are here visiting from Susan’s place, welcome, I am so happy you are here. Leave me a comment down below; I would love to get to know you. Come on in, have a seat and enjoy!
Inspiration Behind the Mackenzie Childs Pumpkin Dupe
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…
The black and white Courtly check and striped pattern is a coveted look for me. I have a few authentic pieces, which I use all the time, but pumpkins are really for a short window during the year, so I thought a dupe would provide the look without the expense. Last year I created Mackenzie Childs Black Courtly Check napkin rings, and I absolutely loved how they turned out. I had planned to make these pumpkins then but the season got away from me and here we are!
How to Duplicate the MacKenzie Childs Pumpkin Look Step-by-Step Guide
Using a black acrylic paint pen and a gold brush pen really facilitates this project. I have included links for your both for your convenience if you want to use the exact same ones I used here. Study and inspect the real MacKenzie Child Courtly pattern to understand the look you are trying to achieve.
MJ Insider Craft Pro Tip:
Read all the instructions through once & then re-read everything again, familiarizing yourself with everything you need. By knowing what to expect avoids any surprises during a project, preventing unnecessary stress.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Prep Project
- Read instructions thoroughly
- Assemble all supplies
- Make sure all tools are clean and readably available
- Remove all tags and stickers from pumpkins
Paint Pumpkin Base
(if your pumpkin is already white you can skip this step)
- Use painters tape to cover stem or remove stem if possible
- With paint brush paint entire pumpkin white (you could also use white spray paint instead)
- Set aside and allow to dry fully
- If original color is still bleeding through apply another coat of white paint (I used two coats on my orange pumpkin)
- Set aside and allow to dry fully
Add Stripes
- Once pumpkin is fully dry, use the black paint marker to apply black lines following the pumpkin ribs (indentations)
- Using the paint marker fill in every other section of the ribbing working around entire pumpkin, creating a striped effect
- Set aside to let paint cure
OR
Add Checks
- Once pumpkin is fully dry, apply a strip of masking tape horizontally around the pumpkin starting at the bottom
- Add additional masking tape working upward towards the top spaced out, using a piece of tape to measure alternating distance
- Once there are masking tape horizontal stripes up the entire pumpkin, use a pencil to create squares
- Remove all the masking tape and create alternating squares, creating a grid across the entire pumpkin
- Using the black paint pen fill in every other square, alternating & creating a checkerboard effect
- Set aside to let paint cure (erase any left over pencil lines when fully dried)
Gild Stems
- Using gold marker or rub-n-buff, cover entire stem to create a gilded effect
- Set aside to allow to cure
Include Shadowing
- Using gold pen add some gold details around some of the black checks to add just a subtle shadowing, using a cotton swab to adjust intensity of gold (you can use thin paint brush here if you prefer)
- Dab cotton swab with nail polish remover to create distressed look
- Using gold pen add some gold details around some of the black stripes, adding dimension
- Once you have the desired effect, set aside to let cure
Voila!
- Add embellishments if desired
- Style your new whimsically stylish pumpkins
- Voila!
MJ Insider Crafting Pro Tip:
Do not stress if all your lines are not perfectly straight. The MacKenzie Childs pumpkins are distressed and show many imperfections. It’s the look you’re going for and embrace it!
Tips & Recommendations to Keep in Mind
Imperfect Design is Your Friend Here
If you inspect the Courtly Check pattern closely you see it has a distressed effect with imperfections and not totally symmetrical checks. This allows freedom as you are painting the checks and adding the gold shadowing. Note the gold accents are not on every check, but simply scattered randomly with no particular pattern. All these perfect imperfections provides freedom and alleviates stress. All the lines don’t need to be perfectly symmetrical plus l left some blemishes on purpose to add to the distressed effect.
Easily Fix Mistakes
If you get paint on an undesired area or if something inadvertently smears, the paint pens clean up easily. For much of it I simply used my finger, a paper towel or a cotton swab to remove the paint spots. You can also dip the swab in nail polish remover for a little extra strength. I believe alcohol can be substituted for the nail polish remover as well, but I did not use it personally, so I recommend testing it first just in case.
Any Pumpkin Will Do
My Courtley Check pumpkin is terra cotta which I had painted white years ago. The striped pumpkin is plastic from the dollar tree. You can use any type of pumpkin really. Thrift and dollar stores are perfect destinations to find inexpensive options. Shopping after season sales for next year’s projects is also a smart way to go.
Pumpkin Ribs Matter
For the striped design it’s important to pay attention to the number of ribbed sections since you are applying paint on every other section. You want an even number of sections so the alternating pattern works. If your pumpkin has an odd number of ribbed sections convert one of the sections into two parts creating an even number. I had to make these adjustments to both of my pumpkins, which is really not noticeable once it’s all done.
Top Coat Optional
I did not add a top sealing coat to my pumpkins. The original MacKenzie Childs pumpkins have a high gloss finish, and I’m not sure if that’s what I want. If you do want to achieve that finish you can use a coat of Glossy Mod Podge or a varnish gloss. You do you, and make your pumpkin dupes yours to match your aesthetic. Do you think I should add a glossy top coat? Let me know in the comments below.
MJ Insider Crafting Pro Tip:
Creativity improves our mental health by elevating our mood, lowering anxiety and reducing stress. By regulating our emotions through creative endeavors provides a sense of control and empowerment. Not only does it make us feel better, but it also makes our homes look amazing.
We are always striving to master the art of joie de vivre around here. If you enjoy the good life and want a reflection of this in your home, please consider joining the Masterpiece community. Sign up you won’t miss any new content, receiving all new posts directly into your in-box.
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Decor Guide
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Have Fun Styling your MacKenzie Childs Pumpkin Dupes
The Courtly Check and Striped MacKenzie Child pumpkins are a neutral, which create a blank canvas to decorate ’til your heart’s content. I am very excited to us these in my Fall decor this year and here are some of the ideas spinning through my head right now.
My Pearl Obsession Continues…
If you’re a regular reader you might recall I was crushing on pearls over Christmas last year into Valentines day. Well, here we are again. Get ready to see more pearls coming up this holiday season.
Lean Into the Gold Accents
The gold accents in the MacKenzie Childs designs give the pieces warmth and charm. Gold velvet ribbons continue the look and add texture and dimension to the pieces.
Greenery is Always Welcome Around Here
Ok, if you’ve been here longer than a hot minute you know I Iove anything green and organic decor. I’m loving how the green plays against the black and white design. This might be a winner for me, time will tell.
Halloween – Yes Please!
The black and white pattern lends itself to Halloween decor and by simply adding the orange velvet ribbons it gives Halloween vibes. Think of a black crow perched on the pumpkins or potion bottles clustered around to add some Practical Magic mystic.
You will probably be seeing some version of these ideas as I share seasonal decor over the next few weeks. I’m super excited to decorate with these charming (affordable) dupe pumpkins.
More High End Dupes
Side by Side Comparison of the MacKenzie Childs Pumpkin Dupe
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Closing Thoughts ~ Conclusion to the MacKenzie Childs Pumpkin Dupe DIY
So… the original MacKenzie Childs pumpkins would be close to $100, while my dupes cost less than $10. I’m ok with that. I might still add varnish or might leave them as they are. I prefer matte and satin finishes so it might work with my decor better. Time will tell. What do you think? Let me know if you give this a try.
Please don’t forget to visit Susan. You can also find Susan in her other spaces; give her a follow: Instagram || Pinterest || Facebook
Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope to see you again soon. It’s always lovely having you here.
Au revoir!
Q & A – MacKenzie Childs Pumpkin Dupe DIY
Q1. What is the best type of pumpkin to use for a Mackenzie Child’s dupe?
A1.There’s no right answer for this. I would recommend what you have or find an inexpensive option like a dollar tree piece as used here or thrift and discount store pumpkin. You can use a foam, resin, ceramic, plastic or more option for this easy dupe.
Q2. Can I use different colors than black and white?
A2. Yes! MacKenzie Childs actually has an array of colors for their collections, including gray, blue, mocha and more. Even if it’s not a MacKenzie Child’s color, feel free to use what you like and coordinates with your decor with the same “look”.
Q3. If I’m not a crafter, can I find a ready made MacKenzie Child’s pumpkin dupe without the price tag?
A3. You are in luck, yes! Stores like HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross and Target sell pieces with similar looks at reasonable prices.
Get the High End Dupe Look
- Halloween White Decorative Pumpkins,Assorted Size
- Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® Old White, a unique decorative paint
- 2 Pack Black Acrylic Paint Pens Permanent Markers, Medium Tip
- Gold Dual-Tip Acrylic Paint Pens – Set of 2
- Gold Velvet Ribbon 2 Inch 3 Yards
- Copper Velvet Ribbon 2 Inch 3 Yards
- Pearl Beads String Garland
- MACKENZIE-CHILDS Resin Pumpkins Set, Petite, Courtly Check and Stripe
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Through others we become ourselves.”
Lev S. Vygotsky
Love the look of these pumpkins MaryJo! They turned out great. Another fun collab! ~ Susan
Thanks so much! I love fall and I’m so ready!! XO- MJ