painted 'autumn leaf' pattern pumpkins

inspired by the blue and white 'chinoiserie' pumpkins i've seen online recently,
i came up with a similar idea that reflects both an autumn palette AND our family history.

a few small ceramic pumpkins from my collection were refreshed with paint,
replicating the pattern of some china that has been in my family for generations...

made by Hall China in Ohio for the Jewel Tea Company from 1920 to 1980,
this lovely 'Autumn Leaf' pattern is perfect for fall decorating and entertaining - 
my Mom's Mom, my Grandma Ward, used these pieces even before my Mom was born.
Mom has used them every fall for as long as i can remember.
and i've used the pieces that she passed down to me!
they make an appearance every autumn, especially for Thanksgiving.

continue reading to see more of our collection with my new matching pumpkins...

the leaf and floral pattern on the dishes is simple, so it was easy to replicate

on the small ceramic pumpkins i had on hand.

(this would be equally as easy on a foam, plastic, or glass pumpkin, too)

i used regular craft paints and tiny brushes, then sealed it all with a gloss polyurethane.

while my pumpkin background color dried a bit darker than i would have liked,

it's still close enough to work with the china.

as a finishing touch, i grabbed some copper nail polish that i happened to have,
and painted the stem of this pumpkin plus the rim of the small one
to match the metallic trim on the dish edges.

.
what we call 'Grandma's Collection' includes a medium size pitcher,
three small condiment bowls, and one large flat bowl.
i discovered a few years back that the large bowl + one small bowl
combine perfectly as a pedestal.
the small bowls also work well upside down as 'risers' for small items - like pumpkins!

oh, and those leaves? they are made of crepe paper and have a wire stem,
which makes them easy to bend and curl for a realistic touch.
i found them at Dollar Tree about three years ago.

if you have a family china collection, or a set of dishes that you love using,
why not try to paint some matching pumpkins for your fall table decor?!
it's an easy way to personalize your home!

links to related previous posts:

jewel tea 'autumn leaf' china in fall display

painted pumpkins:  palette  .  paint chip  .  faux concrete

fall, autumn, fall decorating, autumn decorating, fall home decor, autumn home decor,

thanksgiving decor, painting, painted pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkin decor, pumpkin decorating,

no-carve pumpkin decor, vintage style, farmhouse style, vintage jewel tea china, vintage hall china, fall leaves, diy, diy home decor, entertaining, thanksgiving.