I’ll be honest. Pumpkin carving is not my favorite fall pastime.
It’s time-consuming, messy and —more often than not— disappointing. My carvings never end up looking how I imagined.
Luckily there are plenty of ways to make a pumpkin look pretty that don’t involve a knife!
Check out these inspired no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas (pics at the links):
- Dip-Dye Glitter Pumpkin (above)
I like glitter. A lot. So this idea is especially appealing to me. I also appreciate the versatility of the finished product. It would also make a Thanksgiving centerpiece!
- Confetti Dot Pumpkin
Super cute and all you need are pushpins and paper brads. To ensure that your dots really pop, use a white pumpkin instead of a traditional orange one. Apparently they’re all the rage.
- Melted Crayon Pumpkin
What a great way to put old crayons to good use! If you like bright colors, this is the decorating tip for you.
- Gilded Pumpkin
This idea provides a little glamour without glitter, which has a tendency to stick to anything it touches. (It’s not called the herpes of craft supplies for nothing.)
- Watercolor Pumpkin
Think you’re the next Van Gogh? Trade your canvas for a pumpkin this Halloween. A clear advantage to this decorating technique is the ability to switch gears pretty easily. Just wipe wipe off what you don’t like with a paper towel and water.
- Ribbon Pumpkin
All you need is ribbon (or rickrack) and a glue gun. Pro Tip: Start from the top of the pumpkin near the stem and glue the trim along its veins.
- Glow In The Dark Pumpkin
One of the upsides to traditional jack-o’-lanterns is that they can be lit from within. This pumpkin can’t serve as a light source, but it is visible in the dark!
Pumpkins make festive indoor and outdoor decorations, but please note that if you display them on a balcony or patio —an option for residents at The Reserve on West 31st in Lawrence, Kansas and The Palms on University in Riverside, California— and they’re exposed to frost, discoloration may occur.
Which of these no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas so you like best? Tell us in the comments!