DIY Scared Pumpkin (Afraid Pumpkin Face – FREE Printable Pattern)

by admin · Published October 27, 2022 · Updated September 6, 2026

Terracotta Pot with a scared pumpkin face and tall grass planted in the pot

Scared Pumpkin Terracotta Planter Decoration

🍂 DIY Terracotta Pot Pumpkin (Scared Pumpkin Planter)

This DIY terracotta pot pumpkin is a cute fall and Halloween decoration made by painting a real terracotta planter with a scared pumpkin face. I love creating unique Halloween decor that make people look twice and smile, and this little guy is one of my favorites.

I had an old terracotta planter that I wanted to reuse, and it was perfect for transforming into a jack‑o‑lantern with an afraid expression. I wanted him to look scared of my other Halloween decorations, so I planted tall grass in the pot to give him “hair” that stands straight up in fear. Place the planter on a small bale of hay, add some mini pumpkins, and you instantly have a charming fall display.

You can also fill the planter with mums or other fall flowers if you want to create a kooky pumpkin face with fun hair. This project is easy, budget‑friendly, and a great way to reuse materials you already have.

Click here to download the Free Printable Scared Pumpkin Face Pattern.

Materials for the Jack-o-Lantern Terracotta Pot Pumpkin

Terracotta Pot planter
Pumpkin color outdoor acrylic paint (Patio Paint)
Black outdoor acrylic paint
Sponge paint brush
Oasis floral foam
Floral moss
Tall grass (available at craft stores)
Printable Scared Pumpkin Face Pattern

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How to Make the Scared Pumpkin

Using the foam brush, paint the terracotta pot with the orange paint and the foam brush. Use up and down strokes to give the pot the bands like a pumpkin. Only apply one coat. Let dry.
Draw a frightened pumpkin face with a pencil on the terracotta planter. Draw an afraid pumpkin face on the terracotta pot or Download the free printable Scared Pumpkin Face Pattern.
To use the Scared Pumpkin Face Pattern, cut out the face, tape it onto the pot and trace the face.
Paint the face with black indoor/outdoor acrylic paint. It may need 2 or 3 coats to cover evenly. Let dry.
Cut a piece of oasis to fit inside the planter and hot glue to the inside bottom of the pot.
Arrange the grass in the planter to give it the look of hair standing straight up out of fear.
Arrange the moss around the grass to fill in the holes and to stabilize the grass.