You’ll Never Carve a Pumpkin Again After Trying These Decorating Ideas
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Carving pumpkins isn’t all fun and games. You seriously need to know what you’re doing to get great results. But if you’re not savvy with a knife, we have the perfect no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas that focus less on slicing and dicing and more on creating your own Halloween masterpiece with simple arts and crafts.
Our ideas are creative enough for any decor contest and simple enough for kids to follow. All you need to do is grab your pumpkins and use your imagination to execute these unique designs. Some include pumpkin faces, a few require a bit of painting and others really only ask that you choose cool adornments (see: masks, glitter and studs) to bring your gourd displays to life.
Need more inspiration for your Halloween pumpkins? Check out more ideas:
Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils | Cool Pumpkin Carving Ideas | Easy and Fun Halloween Crafts
Metalic Magic
After selecting the perfect pumpkin, you'll want to wipe it down to remove any possible dirt or debris. Next, use copper craft paint and old brushes to paint a "drip line" on a gourd or pumpkin. A loose squiggly line around the circumference will do the trick, then fill in the space with the rest of the paint. Remember to create peaks to really get that dripping effect.
Dried Flowers and Leaves
For a fun spin on florals, try out dried flowers on your pumpkins. Lay them out first on a surface around the same size as the space you want to cover on the pumpkin. Then, arrange the flowers and leaves in a symmetrical folk-style pattern. Starting with a small area, paint a thin layer of Mod Podge where you want to attach the first pressed flower. Press the flower onto the spot and gently brush a thin layer of glue on top to stick the flower onto the pumpkin. Repeat, if necessary, so the flower stays flat. To create more dimension, add in a few 3D flowers, which you can attach to the pumpkin with a hot glue gun.
Feather Pumpkin
Okay, so technically, we carved this design into a pumpkin. But skip the detailing and opt for a vibrant faux feather, and just glue it in place. We recommend orange on a green gourd to make it look like it's lit up.
RELATED: Pumpkin Carving Ideas You'll Love
Unicorn Pumpkin
This cute unicorn pumpkin is easy to create and is super adorable. Attach a small horn to the top of your pumpkin and paint on eyelashes and blush.
Witch's Hat Topped Pumpkin
If you're looking to go for a more subtle but spirited pumpkin, just top it with a festive hat. These are secured with pins.
Elvis Pumpkin
Your guests can greet the King at your Halloween party. All you have to do is glue on some hair and sunglasses. If you want to go a step further, create a collar out of glitter paper.
Pineapple Pumpkin
For an innovative design, transform your pumpkin into a fruit. Paint your gourd a vibrant yellow and top it with various colors of green felt cutouts to make the leafy top.
Get the tutorial at All For The Memories »
Fabric Pumpkins
These vibrant pumpkins are wrapped with fabric to create a draped look. Pick the colors and patterns to coordinate with the rest of your decor.
Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow »
Cow Pumpkin
This adorable cow face will liven up any porch or Halloween display. Simply turn your pumpkin on its side, paint a white stripe down the middle and decorate with buttons and felt to create eyes, a snout and ears.
Galaxy Pumpkin
Take your painted pumpkin a bit further with this galaxy inspired artwork. Fill a black pumpkin with blotches of pink, blue and gold paint to create this look.
Get the tutorial at Dream A Little Bigger »
Skeleton Pumpkin
This spooky little guy is sure to keep the monsters at bay. Stack a couple of pumpkins on top of each other after removing the stem from the bottom one. Spray paint both white and paint on black circles and ovals to create a skeleton face and bones.
Masked Pumpkins
Get your pumpkins ready for a spooktacular masquerade ball. Simply place these assorted masks around the circumference of any pumpkin and use straight pins to hold them in place. You'll end up with a gourd gang ready for its Halloween close up.
Cupcake Liner Pumpkins
Cupcake liners are good for more than just baking. When you layer a few dozen on the pumpkins of your choice, you can create a unique texture that will truly upgrade your spooky decor.
Vampire Pumpkin
For a creepy twist on your typical stoop pumpkin, try decking it out with plastic vampire fangs. To complete the look, add in some round paper doilies. You can glue the teeth if you really don't feel like carving.
Washi Tape Pumpkins
If you happen to have a bruised pumpkin or are looking to elevate a dull plastic pumpkin, look no further than washi tape to solve your problems. All you'll need to do is wrap the patterned tape around the pumpkin, filling all gaps and spaces, and seal it with a layer of mod podge.
Classic Stripes
Amp up a cobweb-covered mantel with a pumpkin decked out in black-and-white stripes. Pull the look together with candlesticks and string lights — with skulls, of course.
Hometown Pumpkin
Put your hometown pride on full display with this creative pumpkin design. Begin by printing a decal of your state's shape. After you apply it to your pumpkin, cover it in two coats of acrylic paint. (Keep in mind that it takes about 30 minutes for each coat to dry.) Finally, remove the decal once your pumpkin is dry.
Studded Pumpkins
Wow party guests with these trendy studded pumpkins. Use hot glue to apply the gold studs or purchase ones with prongs that can easily be pushed into your pumpkins.
Nature Animals
Say hello to our little friends! Gather acorns, sunflower seeds, dried leaves, toothpicks, and some nuts. Then, hot glue 'em on your pumpkins to create each of these adorable animals.
Tissue Paper Pumpkins
This is one the kids will definitely love helping with! To make, take tissue paper and fold it over itself a few times, while placing thicker paper underneath to give the punches more structure to punch. Then, punch out a handful of circles in different shapes. Next, using a craft brush, paint a layer of Mod Podge where you are going to start laying down the tissue circles. Then, place a circle and brush over it with another layer of Mod Podge. Finally, overlap the circles to create the look and continue step 3 until you feel the coverage is complete!
Tiny Bow Pumpkins
We love how add just a few black bows can turn an ordinary painted pumpkin into something so unique. To get started, cut equal lengths of ribbon (ours were about 5 inches) and tie into bows (you can also use pre-made bows). Then, place a tiny dot of hot glue onto the pumpkin and place the bow on top. Let dry and repeat all over surface of the pumpkin.
Pressed Feather Pumpkin
Follow the same step above to complete this pumpkin idea, which includes all different types of faux feathers.
Marbled Nail Polish Pumpkin
One of the biggest trends for Halloween is using nail polish to marble your pumpkin, and luckily, it's super easy to do. Start by filling a plastic bin with warm water. Then, shake and uncap the nail polish you would like to use. Next, pour in nail polish colors slowly and close to the water's surface, and then swirl them with the toothpick to get the marbled effect. Moving quickly, dip the pumpkin on its side along the water’s surface, twisting it as you see the polish adhering so you get polish all the way around the pumpkin. Then, set aside to let the polish fully dry. Finally, using a tissue or Q-tip, you can remove any of the polish you might not like.
Lace Pumpkins
Add a classy touch to your Halloween decor by wrapping your pumpkins in lace. To make, cut off the waistband of a pair of stockings so you are left with just the two legs. Then, cut off the toe of each leg. Depending on the size of your pumpkin, cut the legs into smaller pieces (we were able to cover 3 small to medium sized pumpkins per each leg). Next, tie a rubber band around one end of the cut stocking. Stretch the material around the pumpkin, leaving the top stem out (you can use a straight pin to secure the rubber banded part to the bottom of the pumpkin). The tighter you stretch, the larger the lace design will appear. Then, use a second rubber band to wrap the top of the stocking around the stem, trimming off any excess material. Finally, tie a decorative ribbon around the stem to hide the rubber band.
Crayon Drip Pumpkin
To create this look, just remove the paper wrapper from crayons and break the crayons into small bits (or use leftover pieces from an old art set). One at a time, place crayons near the pumpkin stem and use s low-heat hair dryer to melt them. As they begin to melt, you can move the pumpkin around to control the drips. Repeat around the whole pumpkin and let dry completely.
RELATED: Painted Pumpkin Ideas You Have to Try This Halloween
Map Tack Pumpkins
Put old office supplies to clever use with these map tack pumpkins. Simply paint a pumpkin a solid color and let it dry completely, then pin map tacks all over the pumpkin's surface.
Spa Pumpkin
Even pumpkins can use a little me time, right? To make this spa-going pumpkin face, simply paint a "face mask" on a real or faux pumpkin, leaving spaces for the nose and mouth. Let it dry completely. Stretch a decorative shower cap onto the pumpkin's "head" and pin in place with straight pins. To make the cucumber eyes, just print images of cucumbers from a picture online and glue them on.
TRENDING NOW: Easy Pumpkin Face Ideas to Carve of Design This Fall
Splatter Paint Pumpkins
This idea is as simple as it is fun, and you can make it work with any color palette you desire. First, paint your pumpkins in one solid color and let them dry completely. Then, just mix water with acrylic paint until it reaches the consistency of heavy cream. Coat a craft brush with paint and lightly tap it repeatedly over the whole surface of the pumpkin to create the paint splatters.
"Boo" Pumpkin
How's this for easy? Simply find letter stickers or patches that suit your style and stick or hot glue them to a painted pumpkin. You're done!
TRENDING NOW: Easy and Spooky Halloween Decorations for Fall
Candy Wrapper Pumpkins
Give your pumpkins a sweet makeover by adorning them with candy wrappers this Halloween. Print copies of your favorite candy labels from Pinterest and cut them into 1-inch strips. Attach the labels to the pumpkins with Mod Podge.
Rainbow Pumpkins
If you went a little overboard at the pumpkin patch and have a lot of pumpkins to work with, try painting each one a different color to create a chic rainbow effect.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Tiny Message Pumpkins
Make your tiny pumpkins even cuter by painting them black and writing spooky sayings on them with a paint pen.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
Cross Stitch Pumpkin
This project is a bit involved, but totally worth it. Start by downloading and printing our Cross Stitch Pumpkin templates or creating your own. Tape the template onto a faux or real (hollowed) pumpkin. Using an awl, punch holes through the the pink holes on the paper template and into the pumpkin. Remove the template, then use a needle and embroidery thread to create "X" patterns between the dots.
Mini Spider Pumpkin
This little creepy crawler is the perfect addition to your Halloween tabletop. Here's how to make it: Remove the stem from a mini pumpkin and paint the whole thing with glossy black paint, then let it dry. Cut craft or floral wire into eight equal-length pieces and poke four wires into each side of the pumpkin. Bend each wire twice to make the legs. Using hot glue or craft glue, attach a number of googly eyes onto the top of the pumpkin.
Spider Web Pumpkins
Use long strips of tape to create a web pattern on a pumpkin. Then, spray light, even strokes of spray paint over the entire surface, letting it dry completely and adding additional coats when needed. Once fully dry, carefully peel off the tape. Glue on a fake spider to complete!
Neon Tape Pumpkins
These pumpkins are instant attention-grabbers, and making them is a snap. Simply cut pieces of neon tape (including blacklight tape if you want!) and stick them onto a white or painted pumpkin.
Easy Appliqué Pumpkins
Start by painting a pumpkin in one solid color, then choose a contrasting appliqué or trimming to hot glue onto it. White paint works well as a base, but so do bright colors and metallics!
Glitter Drip Pumpkin
Get the best of both worlds with this glitter drip pumpkin. All you need is various paint colors and coordinating loose glitter to adorn your gourd.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Ribbon Pumpkin
Adding personality to your pumpkins can be as simple as cutting some ribbon. Start by painting your pumpkin (or leave it natural for a more rustic look). Then, cut a length of ribbon or trim to fit the width of a pumpkin. To finish, just attach it with a few drops of hot glue. If you're feeling creative, layer ribbons and trim for an even more custom look.
Fringe Pumpkin Face
This little monster is even easier to create than he looks. Just wrap and glue fringe around the stem of a pumpkin, adding 2-3 layers until it looks nice and full. Using hot glue, attach googly eyes onto the fringe and add personality with cut paper eye lids and teeth.
Glitter Stem Pumpkins
Once you paint the pumpkin your desired color, add craft glue onto the stem and dip it into glitter for a fun and sparkly look.
Mummy Pumpkin
To make this little guy, cut cheesecloth into 3-inch strips. Then put a dot of hot glue to start and wrap the pumpkin with the cheesecloth strips. Glue down the strips when you get to the end to ensure they stay in place. Once you are happy with the wrapping, attach two googly eyes to the face. Cut out a small mouth from paper and glue it under some of the cloth.
Gourdolanterns
These super-cute painted ghosts aren't pumpkins at all, but that doesn't make them any less festive. Play around with different shapes from your grocery store or farmer's market, and add cute, playful faces.
Cheery Pom-Pom Pumpkin
It doesn't get more fun than fuzzy balls of color! Attach them in rows or clusters with hot glue — and consider starting with a brightly painted pumpkin to make your handiwork pop.
Color Wrap Pumpkin
The paler the pumpkin, the better! Use hot-glue to secure the string's end, then wrap around 20 times and repeat with each color.
"Bat" Your Lashes Pumpkin
Lush lashes are so popular even pumpkins are getting in on the fringe benefits! Hot-glue tassels for eyes and pom-poms for a pucker, then use a sturdy 1-inch ribbon so the wings stand up on their own.
Shimmer Web Pumpkin
Using hot glue, place strings of sequins going about halfway down the pumpkin. Next, go horizontal with curved lines to complete the cobweb. A spider is optional but encouraged!
Scaredy Cat Pumpkin
Mask out the eyes, mouth, nose, ears, (and whiskers!) on an orange pumpkin with blue painter's tape. Cover the rest with black acrylic paint. Let dry, then remove the tape to reveal.
Glam Polka Dot Pumpkin
Make 1- to 2-inch filled-in circles out of glue. Using a string of sequins, place the first sequin in the center and coil around. Repeat, evenly spacing.
Fast Floral Pumpkin
Adhere temporary tattoos to your white pumpkin, as you would on skin. Join a ring of floral selects together for this botanical look.
Flower Sash Pumpkin
For a squash dotted with blooms, snip stems about one to two inches from buds. Drill small holes in the rind, then stick stems in holes.
Fan Fun Pumpkin
This blogger stained a white pumpkin to create a weathered baseball display to cheer on her local team. The key to making it look authentic? Not being too precious with the stain and embracing imperfections.
Get the tutorial at The Magic Brush »
Lace Pumpkins
Choose ribbon or lace, then attach to pumpkins, candle holders, or even wine glasses with a few swipes of Mod Podge. Let dry, then display. Done!
Colorful Balloon Pumpkins
We spotted this "dipped"-looking pumpkin DIY on Brittni Mehlhoff's blog and had to include it. For a pop of color, snip the ends off opaque balloons (11 inches for mini pumpkins, larger for the big guys) and stretch around the bases.
Get the tutorial at Paper & Stitch »
Swarm of Bats Pumpkins
Here's a batty idea: Cut a 4-inch piece of black satin ribbon. Tie a loose knot in the middle, then cut the ends to resemble wings. Attach with sewing pins.
Orange Ombré Pumpkin
A pair of cutout wings take this pumpkin from basic to batty. First, paint your squash white and allow it to dry. Then mix a small amount of orange into white paint. Brush on a few inches from the top. Gradually add more color until you reach full saturation in the middle. Start adding magenta and do the same. Finish with a solid base. Next, cut bat wings out of cardstock. Glue chopsticks or skewers to backs of wings, then stick into pumpkin once paint is dry.
Silver Spiderweb Pumpkin
Save yourself the trouble of painting a cobweb's fine lines. Trimming the inside of a doily creates the same radial effect. Simply print this template, place it over the doily and cut along lines with a craft knife. Apply the web to a pumpkin with decoupage glue. Add a plastic spider with glue.
Jack-O'-Wreath
Give your gourd its very own flower crown. Shape sturdy floral wire into a wreath. Trim flowers, leaving two to three inches of stem. Attach stems and leafy greens with additional wire, twisting until secure. Crown your pumpkin, then hang with a stylish wall hook once the season is over. The blooms will still be lovely when dried!
Bat Tree Pumpkin
Perk up the foyer with a bevy of fluttering bats. Simply stick backyard branches into a plain pumpkin and hang a few spooky ornaments.
Patchwork Quilt Pumpkins
You don't need an embroidery hoop to add these stitches. The patterned squares come courtesy of a free printable — just cut, tape, and paint.
Branch Pumpkins
Show off colorful berries by simply drilling a few small holes into pumpkins and inserting the branches.
Goth Gourds
A top hat and paper mustache make for one fancy jack-o'-lantern — no scooping, carving or painting required. Prop the squash on a cake stand for an extra-dignified perch.
Color-Blocked Pumpkin
Play with neon hues and metallics for a two-tone pumpkin that makes a bright statement. Brush or dip one half and let dry. Then tape off and color the other half.
Votive Holder Pumpkins
Transform munchkin pumpkins into votive holders for an autumnal table. Snap off each pumpkin's stem, and position a candle in its depression. Cover with a clear glass hurricane shade and insert floral U-pins to hold the shade in place.
Transform munchkin pumpkins into organic votive holders to illuminate an autumnal table.
Snap off each pumpkin's stem, and position a candle in its depression. Cover with a clear glass hurricane shade. Insert floral U-pins to hold the shade in p
JAMES BAIGRIEGhostly Goodies
Fill your hollowed-out gourd with dressed-up lollipops. It'll double as cute decor and a handy trick-or-treating bowl.
Spider Nest Pumpkin
These (plastic) creepy crawlers are the only bug infestation you'll ever want to see.
Get the tutorial at The Kim Six Fix »
Matte Finish Pumpkins
A coat of chalk paint takes mini pumpkins from cute to cool. Loop in another trend by adding succulents to the centerpiece.
Get the tutorial at Purely Katie »
Shop Now
Sprinkled Donut Pumpkins
The only things better than donuts are adorable mini pumpkins that look like donuts.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Welcoming Chalkboard Pumpkin
Wish your guests a happy Halloween (and then Thanksgiving!) by covering the front of a pumpkin with a circle of chalkboard paint.
Get the tutorial at Domestically Blissful »
Sneaky Sticker Pumpkin
Finish off a painted pumpkin with a Halloween decal for a look that's way easier than carving or stenciling.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts »
Teal Pumpkins
Turquoise is more in season than you think. The color signals trick-or-treaters with food allergies that a house provides alternative treats as part of The Teal Pumpkin Project.
Get the tutorial at Practically Functional »
Gold Polka Dot Pumpkin
Get the trendy negative space effect with a can of gold spray paint and circle stickers.
Get the tutorial at Seakettle »
You Might Also Like
