As autumn approaches, the first thing that comes to mind is pumpkins! I fondly recall my childhood when we would eagerly wait until the week before Halloween to pick out our pumpkins for carving, and that was usually the extent of our festivities. As I grew older, my mom occasionally brought home a few mini pumpkins to adorn our home, particularly in the kitchen or on the front porch. However, I’ve discovered a newfound passion for decorating with pumpkins, starting as early as the first day of September! I adore pumpkins in all colors, sizes, and shapes, and lately, I’ve been having a great time trying out no carve ways to decorate them.
When the kids were younger, I have fond memories of Travis and me carving pumpkins together. It was a cherished tradition, even though the little ones were often too small to assist or would sometimes lead to frustration with the mess and tears that accompanied the carving. I wanted to discover new ideas that would enable them to participate in the fun, and that’s when my creativity started to blossom.
Pumpkin Painting Party
One year, I organized a pumpkin painting party for the kids along with a few of their friends. Naturally, we had all the best Halloween treats, along with plenty of paint, googly eyes, sequins, and a generous amount of glitter.
The children had an amazing time, and we created some fantastic spooky pumpkins! Everyone enjoyed plenty of treats to keep us satisfied until Halloween, and we shared a lot of laughs while we painted. Here’s a quick tip: always protect the table with craft paper or, if the weather permits, paint outside!
Shop the Paint Party
Temporary Tattoo Pumpkins
After spending a few years painting our pumpkins, I began to seek out new ways to express our creativity. The kids still required significant assistance with carving, and I thought there must be an alternative. While exploring ideas, I came across a few images of pumpkins adorned with temporary tattoos, which sparked my search for the cutest Halloween tattoos. I discovered that some of my favorite small businesses offered fantastic options, allowing me to decorate the entire pumpkin beautifully.
I spray painted a faux pumpkin from @michaelsstores and then applied @merimeriparty temporary tattoos from @bonjourfete. Then I gave it a light coat of matte mod podge to seal the tattoos. Certainly, the children can also design their own temporary tattoo pumpkins. I took the initiative to spray paint them a few days ahead of time to ensure they were odor-free and thoroughly dry.
Shop the Temporary Tattoo Pumpkins
Mod Podge Pumpkins
With a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary pumpkins into stunning, personalized decorations that will wow your family and friends. First, gather your materials: faux pumpkin, Mod Podge, a paint brush, scissors, clear sealer spray, and of course, your chosen napkins.
Start by cutting out the designs from the napkins that you want to use. Carefully peel away the top layer of the napkin, discarding the plain white layers underneath. Next, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to a section of the pumpkin using the paint brush. Gently place the napkin design onto the wet Mod Podge, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles with your fingers. Continue this process, working in small sections, until the entire pumpkin is covered in your beautiful napkin designs.
Once the pumpkin is fully decorated, apply another layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal and protect the napkin designs. Allow the pumpkin to dry completely for 24 hours and spray with the clear sealer. The result is a one-of-a-kind, custom pumpkin that adds a touch of elegance and creativity to your seasonal decor.
These Mod Podge Pumpkins are undoubtedly my favorite method for crafting stunning pumpkins using your choice of Halloween or seasonal napkins!
Shop the Mod Podge Pumpkins
Velcro Pumpkins
VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back Dots are an ideal choice for decorating your pumpkins. Say goodbye to messy glue and easily attach embellishments with these convenient dots. The peel-and-stick backing allows kids to get creative on their own, making the process enjoyable and hassle-free. We had so much more fun decorating since we spent less time reattaching items!
Shop the VELCRO® Pumpkins
I hope you’ve discovered some creative inspiration for your pumpkin decorating this year. Whether you prefer carving intricate designs, painting whimsical faces, or adorning your pumpkins with glitter and sequins, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques. How about trying a decoupage pumpkin with autumn leaves or fabric scraps? Or perhaps a glamorous, metallic look with gold or silver paint? Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Happy decorating!
