The beauty of no-carve pumpkin designs is that they can be painted, engraved, embedded, pasted-on, and more. So, if your crafting skills lie in more traditional forms of decoration, no-carve pumpkins are definitely the way to go. No-carve options are also the safer alternative when decorating pumpkins with kids, keeping little fingers far from the sharp knives and poke tools. Another perk of no-carve pumpkins? Your pumpkins might last longer. Any pumpkin carver has experienced the saggy, mushy, bug-infested consequences of carving a pumpkin too early, but with no-carve pumpkins, that’s much less likely to happen—and when it happens, it’ll happen much later. You can even put these no-carve decorations into practice with fake or craft pumpkins, which won’t rot and can be used year after year. Below, find 23 no-carve pumpkin ideas that will give you all the inspiration you need to create beautiful, impressive pumpkins this Halloween and fall, whether you want to go all-in on the crafting supplies or would prefer something easy.
Pumpkin Painting Ideas
PumpkinAcrylic paintPliersLong-reach lighterBox of crayons (You can stay within the Halloween color scheme, or use a rainbow of shades that will look festive all season long.)
Developed by Morgan Levine.
PumpkinsHot glue gun and hot glue sticksSpray paint in dark blue, teal, and aqua
Developed by Jessica Gregg.
PumpkinHighlighterPaper towelsPaint pens in at least two colors
PumpkinNewspaperDamp ragChalkboard spray paintChalkPencil (for Cat)Scissors (for Cat)Black construction paper (for Cat)Glue gun (for Cat)
PumpkinDamp ragNewspaperMetallic spray paint
Developed by Morgan Levine.
PumpkinAcrylic paint in pink, yellow, green, blue, purple, and redPaintbrushSharpie in black
Developed by Jessica Gregg.
PumpkinMakeup sponges in a variety of shapesScissorsAcrylic paint in a range of colorsScrap paper
PumpkinAcrylic paintPaint pensPaint brushCircle template
Developed by Morgan Levine.
PumpkinFaux floral stems, such as eucalyptus, cotton, peony, mum, rabbit’s ear, and maroon tree leaves from a craft storeHot glue gun and hot glueChalk paintAcrylic paintFoam paintbrushBristle brush
Developed by Jessica Gregg.
PumpkinAcrylic paint in at least two colorsPaint brushNatural sea spongeScrap paper
PumpkinColorful or patterned pushpinsAcrylic paint or spray paintDry erase marker
Developed by Morgan Levine.
PumpkinsWhite spray paintBlack acrylic paintSharpie oil-based paint markerPaintbrush
Developed by Jessica Gregg.
PumpkinFloral stencilAcrylic paintFoam dabber or small sponge
PumpkinAcrylic paintSpray paintPaint pens (We like the look of metallic pens on white paint, but if you’d like something a little spookier, feel free to use black paint and orange or gold pens.)
Developed by Morgan Levine.
Mini pumpkinsWhite acrylic paintFoam paintbrushCactus napkinsMod PodgeScissors
Developed by Jessica Gregg.
PumpkinAcrylic paint and paint brushCollected leaves (or a leaf stencil)Ballpoint penPaint pen
PumpkinBlack acrylic paintWire, pliable with handsNeon el wire, 9 feetHot glue gun and hot glue
Developed by Jessica Gregg.
Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
PumpkinDry erase marker in a light colorCandy: black and white licorice pinwheels; coconut jelly beans; black licorice jelly beansHot glue gun
PumpkinDry erase marker in a light color (avoid black)ScissorsWashi tape
PumpkinPaper and pencilScissorsMasking tapePermanent Chisel Tip Sharpie in black
PumpkinBlack tissue paperScissorsDry erase marker in a light colorMod PodgeFoam brush
PumpkinVinyl, bright multi color packScissors
Developed by Jessica Gregg.
