Today on my Mimi and Me series I’m sharing one of the prettiest and easiest DIY project to do with your littles for fall. There’s no mess of carving these pumpkins, because I’m showing you how to create these fun marbled pumpkins using a simple, colorful technique involving nail polish! You read that right, nail polish! This is the perfect fun, family-friendly project for your littles and requires zero skill.
“I’m no Cinderella, but I know that pumpkins are magical.” – Unknown
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Nail Polish Marbling Process: Supplies and Prep
I first saw this project at the assisted living home where my mom lives. It was a DIY they created during craft time and I fell in love with it. I knew it was one that I could recreate with my granddaughters. Your littles will definitely be proud of their creation and feel like Picasso!
Let’s get started with the list of supplies you will need. As with most of my Mimi and Me projects, the supply lists are small. In my opinion, if you have too many supplies it becomes confusing for some kids, depending on their age.
Essential Supplies for No-Carve Marbled Pumpkins
Step-by-Step Nail Polish Marbling Method
Now comes the fun part! But I’m not going to fool you, this project can be a messy one. Kids love messy, right!? The key is to use room temperature water and move quickly. I’ve listed all the steps for you below.
1. Prep Your Water and WorkSpace
Lay down a drop cloth or newspaper to protect your work surface. Like I said, this can get messy! Fill your container 4-5 inches of room temperature water. If it is too cold the nail polish will sink. If it is too hot the nail polish dries too fast.
2. Layering the Polish Colors
I added 3-4 drops of each color, one by one. I did not stir the colors together. If you do, it may muddy the colors and they may also clump together. Then you will have to start over. Once all your colors are in the water you are ready to dip your pumpkins.
3. Dip and Roll Your Pumpkins
This is where the gloves come in handy! It’s hard to find gloves to fit their little hands, but trust me, you will be glad you used them. Hold your pumpkin by the stem and quickly and carefully dip into the water. Roll your pumpkin across the colorful film which is floating on the top. When removing, let your pumpkin drip to remove any access polish.
Before dipping your next pumpkin, use a skewer or toothpick to gather and remove the remaining film of polish floating on the water’s surface. This will ensure that every new pumpkin gets a good fresh and vibrant coat!
Dipping Tip
Avoid submerging the entire pumpkin. We learned from our mistake! If you completely submerge it can cause the nail polish film to adhere to the underside and areas you want to keep clean.
4. Allow the Pumpkins to Dry
It’s important to set your finished pumpkins on a protected surface. There may be some polish that continues to drip off and you don’t want it on any of your countertops or table.
From My Cottage to Yours: Happy Marbling
And just like that, you can create fun and unique marbled pumpkins! Some of our pumpkins got dunked by little hands and some were rolled. But in the end, it’s all about the fun of crafting with your littles and how it makes them feel!
Oh, one more thing! If you have girls, you may have to paint their nails when you’re done. My granddaughters could hardly wait!
Happy marbling and enjoy your time together!
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Such a cute project!!
Thanks!
Kim, love the Mimi projects. What a beautiful project. Looks like magic, and so easy. Will be keeping these for the future.
Happy Halloween
It is definitely a fun one, Tina! A little messy but the kids love that!