Slab-Rolled Pumpkin Ornaments: Fall Fun with a Pop of Color!

Emily Nichols is a contemporary ceramic artist known for her vibrant, colorful, and textured pottery. She often uses layers of paint to create playful, illustrative designs on her ceramics. Her work is celebrated for its whimsical charm, often featuring bold color combinations through her designs.

Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time to make something fun and festive! On the blog today, we’re making slab-rolled clay pumpkin ornaments—simple and colorful decorations you can hang anywhere. These pumpkins are inspired by the playful style of Emily Nichols, a ceramic artist who loves using bright colors and fun patterns in her work.

How to Make Them:

1. Roll Out the Clay:
   Start by flattening your clay into a slab about as thick as a cookie. We use a table top slab roller.

2. Cut Out Pumpkin Shapes:
   Use cookie cutters to cut out your pumpkins. You can make big ones, tiny ones, or a mix of both! Gently smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

3. Add a Hole for Hanging:
   Use a skewer or a straw to poke a hole near the top of each pumpkin. This is where you’ll add the ribbon or twine later. I use a drill once they are leather hard. I let them get leather hard a do a bisque firing.

4. Make Them Unique:
   Now it’s time to get creative! Use glaze to paint in this funky style of  Emily Nichols!

5. Glaze Fire the Clay:
   This can be done on fast. Should take about 24 hours.

6. Add Ribbon or Twine:
   Once your pumpkins are painted and fired again, take out of kiln and tie some ribbon or twine through the hole. Now they’re ready to hang on a tree, a garland, or anywhere you like!

Why We Love These Ornaments

Making these pumpkins is so much fun because no two will look the same. They’re colorful, creative, and perfect for fall. Plus, they make great gifts!

We can’t wait to see how your pumpkins turn out. Share your designs with us—we’d love to see them!

Happy Thanksgiving! 1969