70 Cute Pumpkin Decorating Ideas That Don’t Require Carving
Grab that paint, glitter, and glue.
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Pumpkins and jack-o'-lanterns are among the best classic fall decorations, especially for outdoor Halloween décor. But finding new and creative inspiration for carving pumpkins can definitely be a challenge. There's no need to scour the internet though, because this list contains all the best pumpkin decorating ideas! These options are beyond creative and original, offering plenty of inspiration to match your home's style. Best of all, they don't require carving.
Anyone who's looking to get their fill of Halloween crafts for the kids will find plenty to do here. Although many of these pumpkins contain images or phrases perfect for the holiday (like "Boo!" or "Eek!"), there are a few projects that have the same spirit but feel a little more unexpected. For example, a glow-in-the-dark pumpkin or pastel polka dots will look striking any time of day or night.
If you're looking for ideas that are a little more sophisticated, try decorating white pumpkins or check out the many Ree Drummond-approved floral-themed DIYs. If you love floral patterns like she does, painting them on a pumpkin is a beautiful way to give them more of an autumnal feel. Best of all, most of these creative, easy pumpkin decorating ideas save time—and a whole lot of mess because you don't have to cut them up!
Find even more gourd-geous ideas:
Botanical Pumpkin
This orange-on-white combination is such a fabulous twist on classic fall colors. Use folk-art-inspired leaf and flower stencils to create the design, then start painting. You can also switch up the colors of paint and pumpkins for a variety of different results.
Cow Pumpkin
For this udderly adorable cow, cut oval pieces of floral fabric to create the ears, teardrop shapes for the eyes, and a long strip for the nose. Then, layer them onto larger pieces of burlap with hot glue. Attach the pieces to larger burlap sections using hot glue. Coil black cotton cord to form the eyes, then complete the farm friend with leather accents and buttons for the snout!
Washi Tape Quilt Square Pumpkin
A washi tape quilt pumpkin is a wonderfully charming project. Start by sketching your design on paper and use it as a guide for placing the pieces. It may look intricate, but it’s actually very easy to make!
Painted Floral Pumpkin
If you have an artistic touch, try painting flowers freehand! Display a few of these beauties next to a pot of fall mums and they'll make any front porch pop with color.
Ombré Flower Pumpkin
You can achieve these floral ombré beauties by attaching a large stencil to the center of your pumpkin and using a foam pouncer to dab the lightest paint in the stencil's center, gradually transitioning to darker shades as you work outward. Blend the colors smoothly towards the edges for a flawless finish!
Dog Pumpkin
How cute is this pooch? Faux sherpa fur cutouts are used for the ears and nose, while layered floral fabric creates the eyes, nose, and tongue. A bit of black cotton cord or yarn forms the playful, loopy mouth. Don’t worry, though—it won’t bark when your guests arrive!
Button Spiders Pumpkin
Take the spooky Halloween route by covering your pumpkin with creepy crawlies! These spiders are made of buttons and pipe cleaners. Before gluing the buttons onto the pumpkin, thread red string through the holes to give them a striking black widow look.
Pumpkin Horse
This trusty steed is so easy to create. The key materials are brown and black suede for the ears and snout, turquoise yarn for the mane, and black buttons for the eyes. And that adorable nose? It’s made from two pumpkin seeds!
Floral Band Pumpkin
These lively pumpkins are created by taping off vertical or horizontal stripes on a pumpkin. Then all you need is some flowery stencils and your favorite craft paint colors.
Button Candy Corn Pumpkin
Have you ever seen pumpkins decorated with stacked buttons and glue to mimic candy corn? Such a sweet—and simple—idea!
Squash Hound
The oblong shape of a butternut squash is ideal for this long-faced hound design. Similar to the other pup, you can bring this one to life using burlap, floral fabric, and yarn or cord for its features.
Succulent Planter Pumpkin
For long-lasting planters, skip the carving and choose faux pumpkins with removable tops. Fill them with charming little succulents to create low-maintenance table centerpieces that you’ll enjoy well beyond Halloween!
Floral Monogram Pumpkin
Create monogrammed gourds for the entire family! Start by drawing bold block letters on each pumpkin and outlining them with painter's tape. Then, place flower stencils inside the letters and use a foam pouncer to apply craft paint. Once the paint dries, simply remove the tape to unveil your stunning creation.
Cat Pumpkin
The search for the purrfect kitty pumpkin ends here. This little guy comes together with just a few pieces—a forehead outline connected to the nose and ears. Burlap adds texture to the whiskers, while black cotton cord is used to craft the mouth and eyes.
Gilded Pumpkins
For even more shimmer and shine, take a look at these gilded beauties! You can grab a gilding kit that includes everything you need in one set. This particular kit features copper, silver, and gold leaf sheets, perfect for mixing and matching to your heart’s content.
Get the tutorial at Up to Date Interiors.
Witch Silhouette Pumpkin
If you love vintage home décor, this bewitching pumpkin is the perfect match for your style. Inspired by the 19th-century popularity of silhouette portraits, you can craft this witch design using an online template and finish it off with a lace trim for the frame.
Faux Galvanized Pumpkin
Metallic paint adds a touch of shimmer to these pumpkins, while blending in a bit of white paint creates an oxidized, galvanized metal effect. The result is a unique look without a whole lot of effort.
Get the tutorial at Addicted 2 DIY.
Pastel Polka Dot Pumpkin
Who says pastels can’t be perfect for fall? Just look at these adorable mini pumpkins, painted in soft shades of pink and blue. The playful polka dots make them extra pretty.
Get the tutorial at Real Creative Real Organized.
Mod Podge Paper Napkin Pumpkin
Yes, you heard it right—this playful, tropical-patterned pumpkin is crafted using paper napkins! That means the design possibilities are practically endless. Simply use a bit of Mod Podge to attach the napkins, and you're all set.
Get the tutorial at Alice & Lois.
Fabric Tape Pumpkins
Aren’t these adorable country-style pumpkins simply delightful? You can create them with just fabric or washi tape. Just peel the backing off the strips and press them on—so easy and charming!
Get the tutorial at The Crazy Craft Lady.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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