Carving pumpkins for Halloween is a time-honored tradition, but sometimes it’s fun to make a new tradition. If you’re looking for creative ways to decorate pumpkins that don’t involve sharp knives or scooping out slimy squash guts, there are more options than you might realize. Painting a pumpkin with inexpensive craft paints is one great alternative that allows even the youngest jack-o’-lantern makers to get involved. However, paint isn’t the only way to think outside the pumpkin.
Get Tacky
Thumbtacks and push pins are easy for older kids (even adults) to handle safely and they are a surprisingly creative way to decorate a pumpkin. Use metallic tacks to make a modern “studded” jack-o’-lantern by placing the tacks in even rows vertically or horizontally around the pumpkin. Tacks with decorative heads can be used to create simple geometric shapes, flowers or give an all-over 3D design. Colored push pins are perfect for making more defined images such as leaves, spooky figures or simple but colorful faces.
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| Via BuzzFeed |
Decorating With Decoupage
Decoupage medium allows you to adhere all types of flat objects to a pumpkin. Use scraps of fabric, ribbon, decorative papers, cut-out pictures from greeting cards, tissue paper or yarn to turn any gourd into a unique work of art. If you prefer to keep it natural, try gluing colorful leaves and flower petals onto the top of a pumpkin. Let the materials cascade down in a natural flow for a truly stunning piece of autumn artwork. If decoupage medium isn’t available, thin plain white glue about half and half with water. Apply several light coats of adhesive under and over the objects for a good seal.
Check The Tape
Try wrapping your pumpkin in colorful tape to create starburst patterns, plaids or crazy colorful designs. Washi tape comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns and is easy to find at most craft stores. However, today, painter’s tape and even duct tape is available in an array of hues and patterns that will inspire creativity on a tight budget.
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| Via Mother's Niche |
Schemes and Themes
Sometimes finding inspiration is the hardest part of creating something new. Draw on traditional Halloween themes to make your jack-o’-lantern the hit of the neighborhood this Halloween. Try painting a pumpkin then draping it in strips of white gauze. Add a set of googly eyes and you’ve got a silly scary mummy. With a set of store-bought cat ears, a little paint and some pipe-cleaner whiskers your pumpkin will quickly transform into a cute Halloween kitty. If you like to keep it simple but don’t want to skimp on the whimsy, paint your gourd to look like a watermelon, an apple, or a big full moon.
Look around the house or take a stroll through the craft store to find inspiration for creative ways to decorate pumpkins this Halloween. Forget the carving knife and use your ol' gourd instead!
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