Skip the mess this Halloween and savor the wow factor: these spook-tacular no-carve pumpkin ideas make use of paint and simple crafts supplies to impress all season long.
While it's impossible to say which of these woodland critters is cutest, one thing's for certain: we're smitten with this crafty idea (and bet the kids will love it!). Color natural or foam pumpkins with craft paint, then use the free templates to embellish them with felt and cardstock. Easy-peasy.
Save time with our fall owl pumpkin craft kit.
Photo: Simple as That
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No carving and no wilting make this cheerful DIY pumpkin a win-win. Simply gather a dozen (or more!) plastic daisies, remove the blooms, and adhere them to the pumpkin with glue or straight pins. This white flower, orange pumpkin combination is reminiscent of fall leaves, though it's easy to change up with your favorite colors and faux flower varieties.
Photo: Mandi Johnson
Slip a masquerade mask over your pumpkin to give it a mysterious disguise. We used a black sequin mask for a sophisticated, high-contrast look, but the beauty of this costume choice is the opportunity for personalization it affords; whether you're all about superheros, butterflies, or exotic birds, your imagination can take flight! Make the job easier with this pumpkin craft kit.
Photo: Dawn Wade
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Prefer light hearted to scary Halloween decor? Express your silly side with a goofy ghost emoji pumpkin. Best of all, this super cute emoji kit gives you everything you need to recreate the design.
Photo: Tiffany Hewlett
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With clusters of glowing light and swirls of color, this pumpkin is what one would dream of seeing aboard a space shuttle. A black foam pumpkin gets a galactic makeover with acrylic paints applied layer by layer and artfully blended with paper towels and brushes. Print constellations onto a piece of computer paper, then place it over your pumpkin and mark holes with a pen. Use a drill to create the stars, then flip pumpkin over and drill a large hole on the bottom and insert LED Christmas lights for an out-of-this-world glow.
Photo Dream a Little Bigger
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Wooly sweaters signal the arrival of leaf-raking season. Carry those cozy vibes over to your display of seasonal pumpkins and gourds by wrapping them in colorful yarn. Hot-glue the ends of each yarn strand to your pumpkin to prevent unraveling, and your masterpiece will stay in mint condition for weeks!
Photo: Midwest Living
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Embroidery thread and tiny metal nails are the starring materials in this darling DIY pumpkin project. Use a pencil to sketch a design onto the pumpkin, then outline it with small nails. Knot embroidery floss around one nail to start your design, then loop the thread around the nails until the design is outlined in a web. Stick with one color of thread, or add a variety of colors for a brighter take.
Photo: Lovely Indeed
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Though the holiday of Dia de Los Muertos is traditionally observed the day after Halloween in Mexico, its famously festive decor has spread to other parts of the world and is often displayed right alongside Halloween items. Play off the holiday's vibrant hues and motifs by grabbing a white pumpkin and this simple sticker kit to create a colorful Sugar Skull pumpkin in a matter of minutes.
Photo: Haeley Giambalvo
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One surefire way to shine a spotlight on your real (or fake) mini pumpkins: wrap them in diamonds. These turquoise pumpkins go glam with the addition of adhesive black and white rhinestones scattered around its stem. Try this idea with larger shapely gemstones for a fun, playful take on this classic look.
Photo: Dans le Lakehouse
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What's not to love about a Halloween pun? Show off your DIY skills and winning sense of humor with a simple statement adhered to a pumpkin. For maximum readability, drench the pumpkin in head-to-toe color (or take a shortcut with these neon faux pumpkins). Get the message across with scrapbook stickers, or turn heads with these bright adhesive foam letters.
Photo: Studio DIY
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A basic Halloween motif like a spider web can become a stunning piece with a painterly touch. Thin lines of masking tape form these webs, but you can use a stencil instead if desired. A foam brush and two colors of orange paint create this graphic ombre effect. Elevate this design from cool to creepy with a handful of well-placed scary spiders.
Photo: Martha Stewart
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