What is your favorite Halloween activity? Dressing up in creative costumes and snacking on sweet candy treats wouldn’t be complete without the perfect décor. This year, go big or gourd home with unique no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas.
Pumpkins and Gourds are quintessential fall accents. They add texture, color, and beauty to any tabletop or seasonal display. No carve pumpkin decorating can help your produce last longer while adding a personalized touch and these pumpkin painting ideas will make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
Do you enjoy exploring the Dallas Arboretum pumpkin displays? Their gorgeous selection is from Pumpkin Pyle in Floydada, Texas. Our quality Autumn Harvest goodies are from the same family-owned farm!
Before you start decorating, give your pumpkins a nice bath. Fresh from the farm, pumpkins can have residual soil on them. By washing them thoroughly and carefully, you can enjoy vibrant and beautiful pumpkins all season long! Allow them to soak for 30 minutes in a mild cleaning solution of either dish soap and water, or 3 parts water and 1-part white vinegar. Wash with a sponge, rinse, and allow your pumpkins to dry completely.
Creative Pumpkin Painting Ideas for Halloween
Are you ready to be creative? Get inspired and try these easy and fun no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas for kids and adults!
HOW TO MAKE SPOOKY GHOST GOURDS
Where are my ghouls at? Take advantage of the different sizes and unique shapes of Ornamental Gourds and create too cute to spooky gourd ghosts.
SUPPLIES:
- Large Ornamental Gourds
- White Spray Paint
- Black Craft Paint
- Paint Brush
STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR GOURDS WHITE
First, paint your gourds white to look like a ghost. Using adult supervision, apply a coating of white spray paint over the skin and stems, and allow the paint to dry. Repeat this process as many times as needed for coverage of the whole gourd.
STEP TWO: ADD THE GHOST FACE
Next, make the friendly ghost face. With your black craft paint and paintbrush, carefully apply 2 small circles for the eyes.
Then, add the mouth. Create a larger circle or oval shape, just below the eyes with your black paint. Allow everything to dry and apply another layer of black paint if needed.
There are many different types of spooky gourds that will work for this craft. Birdhouse Gourds are a fun choice for this project. They are known for their unique shape and there are countless ways to utilize these gourds. In fact, you can even turn them into a birdhouse- just like the name implies!
Birdhouse Gourds will dry out quickly and lose their natural color. The skin hardens and dries for a mottled appearance. Once dried, the hard shell can be sanded, cleaned, and re-painted for a stylish new shelter for our friendly pollinators!
Elevate your seasonal displays with the spectrum of shapes and textures of Ornamental Gourds. Choose from a quality assortment of sizes for your spooky ghosts and display your new Halloween décor as centerpieces for your fright night celebration!
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PUN-KINS
Do you enjoy a good pun? Fall in love with these DIY Pun-kins! There are endless possibilities and ways that you can incorporate funny puns into your Halloween displays.
SUPPLIES:
- Pumpkins in Various Sizes and Shapes
- Spray Paint in Your Favorite Colors
- Vinyl Letters in 1-inch – 4-inch Sizes
- Clear Spray Paint or Mod Podge® (OPTIONAL)
STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR PUMPKINS
First, paint your pumpkins! Make a stylish statement with Jack O’ Lanterns or White Pumpkins. Try Pie Pumpkins or Mini White Pumpkins for their adorable size and shape. Cover the skin and stems for a complete look. Use an array of vibrant colors or classic Halloween hues for added interest.
Allow your pumpkins to dry completely before applying the vinyl letters.
STEP TWO: ADD THE PUNS
Next, apply your favorite fall puns! You can hand-place them or use a ruler and pencil to create a guideline for even spacing.
Experiment with different letter sizing and layouts for your puns. Choose from your favorite Halloween expressions or explore this funny list for inspiration:
- Squash Goals
- Boo!
- Hi Gourd-eous
- Trick or Treat
- Life is Gourd.
- Too Cute to Spook
- Gourd Vibes Only
- Happy Halloween
- Fall in Love
Carefully apply each letter one by one and press it down to secure it to your pumpkin. To ensure your letters stay intact, apply clear spray paint to your pumpkin or add a thin coating of Mod Podge® around the letters to keep them in place and protected. If you misplace a letter and accidentally pull some paint off your pumpkin, carefully put some paint into a disposable cup or bowl and use a paintbrush to touch up the area.
When your pun-kins are dried, display them around your home, on your covered porch or patio for Trick or Treaters, or as a festive centerpiece to elevate your Halloween décor.
SHOP WITH EASE
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, Autumn Harvest is in full swing! Visit us today and explore our entire collection of beautiful pumpkins and gourds, fall flowers, seasonal décor and so much more!
Check out our weekly specials here for sales and discounts on your favorite seasonal selections! Shop one of our 28 neighborhood stores, serving our loyal customers for over 35 years.
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
