Pumpkin carving has not always been a favorite tradition at my house. Why?
Pumpkin guts smell. They are slimy. It is a LOT of work to scoop out the pumpkin. It is a LOT LOT LOT of work to carve a pumpkin, and we are not professionals….even with stencils or guides, our results are mediocre at best. Pumpkins that are carved don’t last as long…they start to get a little funky, attract flies, and eventually rot.
Yes, I know there’s a trick to wipe out the insides with bleach or vinegar to lengthen the pumpkin’s life.
Guess what? I tried that, but I used APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, which apparently turns pumpkins into rotting slumping disgusting messes overnight. The kids were pretty mad, I’m not gonna lie.
So, we started using alternatives to decorate pumpkins, and have had so much fun!
Here are some ideas and inspiration for those who want pumpkins to display, but perhaps aren’t feeling the carving this year:
Emoji Pumpkins– these emoji pumpkins are super simple to make, and will be a hit with kids of all ages. You can paint or draw on the faces with sharpie, or cut some vinyl shapes out.
Puffy Paint Glow in the Dark Pumpkins– These pumpkins are doubly cool- kids can personalize however they want with patterns and designs, and they glow in the dark!
Melted Crayon Pumpkin- these colorful pumpkins are made using a popular process art technique that kids love. Plus, they get to see the fun in repurposing old crayons to make something new!
Galaxy Painted Pumpkin– these galaxy pumpkins are sure to be a hit. Kids will have fun dabbing on the colors, and adding stars. They can recreate actual constellations, or just create their own!
Unicorn Pumpkin– unicorns are definitely having a moment in the spotlight. Help your kiddo create their own magical pumpkin with an adorable unicorn tutorial.
Mom approved:
Gingham Pumpkins – gingham and buffalo check are everywhere in decorating right now, so what better way to jazz up your pumpkins? This painting technique can be used on tons of items, and really pops in non-traditional colors like navy or green.
90s Pumpkins – the nineties are being celebrated in a big way, so why not reflect some nostalgia with your pumpkins? These shapes could be either painted on or cut out with a vinyl cutting machine…kinda reminds me of the intro to Saved by the Bell :: amiright??
PUN-kin Pumpkins– puns are hilarious both to adults and kids alike, so you can’t go wrong with these simple and easy pumpkins.
Lace Pumpkin -wrapping a pumpkin in lace or fabric is perhaps one of the easiest and fastest ways to dress it up. Try black lace for a spooky yet elegant look.
Metallic Herringbone Pumpkins – Painting a herringbone pattern on a pumpkin is a sure way to glam it up. Try copper or rose gold on top of a white or beige base coat.
Toy Story 4 Forky Pumpkin – super easy, super cute. I mean…it’s Toy Story.
What other ideas do you have for no-carve pumpkin decorating? Please share!
