Painting pumpkins is a fun and creative way to decorate for fall, and there are many different painting pumpkin ideas to choose from. Whether you want to paint a spooky face, a cute animal, or a colorful pattern, there is a painting pumpkin idea for everyone. You can use acrylic paints or even spray paint to create your design, and you can add other embellishments like glitter or sequins for a fun touch. Some popular painting pumpkin ideas include polka dots, stripes, and chevron patterns, as well as themes like Harry Potter, superheroes, and Disney characters. Mini pumpkins are also a great canvas for painting, allowing you to create a cute little collection of painted pumpkins.
Are you ready to decorate pumpkins? We are! The options are endless for what you can do with all of our specialty pumpkins, from creating fall displays to carving spooky faces. If you are looking for some no carve pumpkin decorating ideas, keep reading! We have fun ideas for your fall display and an adorable finger-painting craft that is perfect for the kids!
PUMPKIN DECORATING IDEAS: THUMBPRINT PUMPKINS
Finger-painting is always a good go-to craft, no matter what age you are. Take that concept and apply it to pumpkins! Thumbprint pumpkins are easy to make and they use minimal paint and supplies. It is a perfect project for the family and your new pumpkins. Try it with Pie Pumpkins, Mini pumpkins, or even Jack O’ Lanterns!
STEP 1: SUPPLIES
To get started, you will need the following supplies for this fall craft project:
- Pumpkins
- Kid-Friendly Craft Paint
- Paint Pen or Marker
STEP 2: MAKE YOUR THUMBPRINTS
GHOST THUMBPRINT PUMPKINS
First, clean your pumpkins. Cleaning your pumpkins will help keep your pumpkin fresher, longer. Get your orange pie pumpkin and white paint to start decorating.
Dab your thumb into the paint, trying to get even coverage. Remove excess paint by doing a few test thumbprints on an extra sheet of paper.
Then, carefully place sporadic thumbprints around the pumpkin, getting a nice thumbprint each time.
Allow the paint to dry completely.
JACK O’ LANTERN THUMBPRINT PUMPKINS
Get your clean, white pumpkin, in any size that you choose, and grab your orange paint.
Dab your thumb into the orange paint and repeat the same process as with the ghost thumbprints. Place randomly around the pumpkin.
Allow the paint to dry completely.
STEP 3: ADD FACES
Grab your paint pen and carefully add spooky, silly, or smiling faces on your thumbprints.
For the ghost thumbprints, add 3 circles close together for the eyes and mouth.
For the Jack O’ Lantern thumbprints, add a variety of classic faces or keep them all the same. Don’t forget to add the stem!
Let everything dry and set them out to display your work! The fun and handmade quality makes these pumpkins extra playful and cute.
These thumbprint pumpkins are just too cute to spook!
Make these fun pumpkins with your family!
PUMPKIN DECORATING INSPIRATION: COPPER PUMPKINS
Another great and no carve pumpkin decorating idea is painting copper pumpkins. Creating a unique accent like copper pumpkins will give your display a contemporary touch that also anchors the overall design. Choose complimenting colors when selecting your pumpkins and make a monochromatic and sophisticated color scheme for a beautiful fall display!
STEP 1: SUPPLIES
To get started, you will need the following supplies for this fall craft project:
- Pumpkins in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes
- Spray Paint
STEP 2: PAINT PUMPKINS
As usual, clean your pumpkins and allow them to dry. Select the pumpkins that you will be painting. Use an odd number or a variety of sizes to keep the display visually interesting.
Cover the pumpkins in white spray paint. Always use adult supervision with spray paint! Paint the stems or keep them natural. This will create better coverage for the copper paint.
After the white paint is dry, it is time to start painting your pumpkins copper! You may need to add a few coats for excellent copper coverage.
Allow the paint to dry completely before setting up your display!
STEP 3: HOW TO SET UP YOUR PUMPKIN DISPLAY
Gather your pumpkins and get ready to start setting up. Find the perfect spot in your landscape or on your mantles. Try this display on your front porch or stairs to make your home warm and welcoming for the fall!
SET ACCENT PUMPKINS
First, place your copper pumpkins where they will be set in your fall display. We will start building around these with the other pumpkins to create depth and the proper balance in your design.
SET STACKING AND SPECIALTY PUMPKINS
Next, add your specialty and stacking pumpkins. We used Cheddar Pumpkins, Enchantment Pumpkins, and a Rascal Pumpkin for their contrasting shape and soft colors.
Space out the coloring to keep the display visually balanced and angle pumpkins to help guide your eye to different parts of the display.
FILL IN WITH SMALLER AND ROUND VARIETIES OF PUMPKINS
Finally, fill in with smaller varieties in similar colors. Try white Pie Pumpkins, Mini White Pumpkins, and add a regular White Pumpkin. The regular white pumpkin will be the glue that holds the whole design together for its size and its shape.
Top everything off with garden mums for an extra touch!
Step back and enjoy your unique design. This display has so much life and movement from the ever-changing shadows that each pumpkin creates outdoors to their various colors and textures.
SHOP WITH EASE
Start pumpkin decorating now and pick up your pumpkins with ease! At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have convenient ways to shop for your home and garden! Our open-air stores are here for you to enjoy, try shopping online, or you can call our store nearest you and place an order over the phone for Curbside Pickup!
Questions about plant care, availability, or quantities of plants? Call our store nearest you! Our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals are here to help with your planting needs!
Share your pumpkin decorating with us on our Facebook page or Instagram and use hashtag #CALLOWAYSNURSERY or #CORNELIUSNURSERY! We love to see what you grow and create!
