No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Carving pumpkins is a fall family tradition, that I dread. While I enjoy picking out the pumpkins and having all the kids around the dining room table, I could do without the goo. If there was only one pumpkin to carve, I could psych myself up and get it done, with 7 pumpkins, the task seems never-ending; especially since I end up finishing most of the jack o' lanterns as kids tucker out.

In an attempt to maintain both the family tradition and my sanity, I have decided to choose one large pumpkin to carve and the rest will be creative endeavors that do not involve a knife or any goo.

2 No-carve pumpkin decorating ideas

Freaky faces
Your neighbors will do a double take when they see these freaky creations sitting on your porch! Kids of all ages love this project, even teens and that grown-up kid they call dad.

You will need:

• Pumpkins
• Magazines
• Scissors
• Glue dots

1. Flip through magazines to find mismatched eyes and ears for your jack O' lantern, a mouth, a nose and hair. Advertisements for glasses or makeup often have large faces to use.
2. Now simply create your face by securing the features with glue dots. If you want the ears to stick out, add a piece of cardstock to the back to use as a tab.
3. Be sure to set the freaky faces in an area protected from the elements, and in a spot that won't make you scream at night. From experience, setting them on a front foyer table sometimes has that unfortunate affect.

Decoupage pumpkins
Extremely easy project, perfect for toddlers or time-crunched teens.

You will need:

• Pumpkins
• Colored tissue paper, it can be left-over wrinkly paper from the latest birthday party
• White glue, or Mod Podge
• Paint brush

1. Set the pumpkins on a protected surface. A plastic tablecloth works well.
2. Have kids tear the tissue paper into small sections and then glue on the pumpkin. Overlap the pieces, double-up for bolder colors or leave spaces of deep orange pumpkin peeking out.
3. Cover the entire pumpkin with a layer of white glue, or Mod Podge for a shiny, durable topcoat.
4. If you use artificial pumpkins, they can be brought out year after year for fall decorating. Have kids sign and date the pumpkin on the bottom with a permanent marker so you can remember who made what and when.

We will still have our pumpkin seeds and lighted Jack O' Lantern, but this year he will stand amongst some freaky friends and a few pretty additions.


More by Sylvie Branch:
Free Pumpkin Carving Patterns: Text me
Halloween decorations: Ghostly ideas
Healthy, No-bake recipes for Halloween school parties