Whether you don’t want to cut into a real pumpkin or you want to decorate a fake pumpkin, we have you covered with our no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas.
I love decorating for fall with pumpkins. However, as a baker, I hate seeing pumpkins that are cut up. It just seems wasteful, and they don’t last as long as decorations once they are cut. I have found that by not carving pumpkins, they can last for months, so I can use them as decorations from early September all the way through Thanksgiving if I wish. I usually just put plain pumpkins on the porch with pots filled with fall-colored flowers. However, my youngest child loves pulling out the glue and paint and getting crafty, so I don’t think I will be able to get away with plain pumpkins this year.
I have started searching for creative ways that we can decorate pumpkins without carving them. Many of these decorating projects could be done with fake pumpkins and then saved to be reused year after year. I will be using real pumpkins this year because fake pumpkins are kind of expensive unless you can find some at the Dollar Store. I plan to buy some fake pumpkins in the after-season sale and tuck them away for next year.
10 No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas:
There are a lot of creative ways to decorate a pumpkin without cutting it. Most of these no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas are easy to implement and can be done with items you probably have in your craft closet.
Decoupaged Pumpkins – Grab some pretty napkins and Mod Podge and create an elegant decoupaged pumpkin.
Polka Dot Pumpkin – This fun pumpkin is made by decorating a white pumpkin with black circle stickers or vinyl dots.
Book Page Pumpkin – Cover a pumpkin with pages from a book to create unique fall décor.
Lace Pumpkins – You can cover your whole pumpkin in lace or just cut out pieces of lace and strategically place them on your pumpkin.
Henna Pumpkins – Use a black sharpie and brown puffy paint to create henna inspired pumpkins.
Twine Wrapped Pumpkins – Wrap a pumpkin in twine and add some small pine cones to the top for a rustic pumpkin.
Pumpkins Wrapped in Ribbon -Layer ribbons over your pumpkin to create a clever and cozy design.
Puff Paint Pumpkin – Go to town with puff paints and create your own elegant designs.
Monogrammed Pumpkin – Use this tutorial to monogram your initials on a pumpkin this year.
Doily Wrapped Pumpkin – Wrap a lace doily around a small pumpkin. Or cut up a doily and adhere the pieces of a doily to create a lovely pumpkin.
Chalkboard Pumpkin – Coat your pumpkin in black chalkboard paint. Then add a piece of chalk to write messages or draw pictures on your pumpkin.
Jack o’ Lanterns are fun, but they rot awfully fast. For pumpkin decor from September through Thanksgiving, I like leaving some of the pumpkins uncut.
Do you decorate with pumpkins in the fall? Do you have any no-carve pumpkin decorating tips?
More Fall Decorating Ideas:
Rustic DIY: Tree Stump Pumpkin
Rustic Pumpkin Made with Fall Leaves
Decorating for Fall with Candy Corn
Dollar Store DIY: Frugal Fall Tablescape
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Brandy Myers says
Thank you for the tips. My husband is not a huge fan of carving pumpkins and as we generally travel I am not a fan of throwing the moldy pumpkins away after we get back. Can’t wait to try one of these tips and see if it can make us all happy!
kuriousme.com says
Amazingly creative and beautiful – love your web site.