Pumpkin-picking patches are bursting with rows and rows of plump pumpkins ready to be carved up for this Halloween season. With endless carving possibilities — everything from a traditional mischievous Jack-O-Lantern to an artistically designed haunted house — and patterns galore available online, I thought it would be fun to seek out ideas for those of us who prefer to not carve our pumpkins this year. Those who opt for a less messy way to decorate pumpkins are sure to enjoy the hundreds of ideas and artistic inspirations on Pinterest.
While I might not be artistic in traditional ways, I love finding clever ways to dress up my home for Halloween, and pumpkins are a great canvas for some fun autumnal art. Paper, paint, confetti, glitter, crayons, fabric, paste and even old nylons are all great materials that can be used for dressing up pumpkins. I found so many ideas, there are a few years’ worth of pumpkin-decorating ideas to enjoy. For now, here are my favorite ways to fit fabric, paint and even bits of nature into your pumpkin decor. For even more ideas, visit our Halloween board on Pinterest.
Paint
Sure, paint is an obvious option when trying to create character faces like Dory or Pikachu, but you can also create amazing patterns using a variety of effects. Create a marbled effect on small pumpkins using fingernail polish. Or paint the top halves of small similar-shaped pumpkins in pastel pink, chocolate brown and creamy white, adding bright “sprinkles” of paint for fun donut-looking decor.
Sharpies, too, can be excellent tools for decorating pumpkins. Intricately beautiful sugar skull designs can come to life with a few colorful Sharpie pens. Fat sharpies, when wielded by artistic hands, can create beautiful calligraphy-penned sayings welcoming fall.
Another great idea kids are sure to love is to create a multi-colored melted crayon pumpkin. Get a white pumpkin and a variety of crayons. Adhere the crayons around the top of the pumpkin with some glue and then break out the hair dryer. Heat up those crayons and watch them drip and melt into a beautiful pattern.
Fabric
This idea is perfect for people like me who are not overly artistic or crafty. Fabric, in vibrant florals, trendy geometric patterns and even Halloween themes can easily be glued to pumpkins for a unique look sure to grab attention. Cut out fabric in the shape of a bat, glue onto a pumpkin and outline with glitter for a great look. Or simply glue vertical strips of fabric to match the grooves of the pumpkin for a beautiful look.
Want to go for something quick and easy that the kids would love? Find a fun green pumpkin and gather up white, burlap or muslin material. Cut it into thin strips and wrap horizontally around and around that pumpkin, making sure to leave room for some googly eyes and little hints of green peeking through. Instant mummy pumpkin.
An even more simple fabric-themed idea would be to grab an old pair of patterned nylons or tights. Stretch those old pantyhose over that fat pumpkin securing around the stem. Add a colorful ribbon and maybe even bejewel it a bit for a beautiful pumpkin.
Nature
incorporate the beauty of these wonderful autumn months when decorating your pumpkins for Halloween this year. Vibrant colors of red, yellow and even various shades of brown can be stunning when set against the background of a bright orange or even green pumpkin.
Before you toss all those fallen leaves into the plastic bags this year, pick a variety of your favorites and Mod Podge them onto a pumpkin. Leaves from a variety of trees in different colors and patterns would be a striking way to capture the magic of this season.
If you love fresh flowers, try creating a beautiful floral display that flows out of a pumpkin. Hollow out the pumpkin and either fill the cavity with a vase or floral foam. Then start arranging your favorite fall-themed blooms. Incorporate items like cattails, curly willow and wheat spikes in fill in among the sunflowers, gerbera daisies and even succulents.