No Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Oh, I love fall! I love the cooler temperatures, wearing boots and sweaters, the leaves changing color and decorating with pumpkins. What I don't love is carving pumpkins. I guess one wouldn't be so bad, but when you have 7 to help clean out and carve it can be an overwhelming, dangerous, time consuming MESS! That's why I often choose to avoid carving and instead use some of these no carve pumpkin decorating ideas! Here are 25 of my favorite “No Carve” ideas.

1. 5 Minute Ribbon Pumpkin – Ribbon is such a fun way to decorate a pumpkin because there are endless possibilities. Here I used gold ribbons/trims that I found at Micheal's for $1.50 a package. The best part is that they were already sticky on the back! (I've also seen sticky ribbon packages at Target's Dollar Spot and Joann's.) At the top of each ribbon I put a gold thumb tack. Not only does it give it a nice finishing touch but it secures the ribbons in place. (If you are using regular ribbon, just secure with glue or pins.
2. Chalkboard Pumpkin – Chalkboard pumpkins are so versatile. Small ones could be used as name markers on a Halloween dinner table or large ones can be used as signs at a party. Or just let your kids draw on a jack-o-lantern face on the front and change it anytime they want.
   Just paint or spray paint a real or craft pumpkin with chalkboard paint and let it dry overnight. Or for a super simple idea, pick up one of these chalkboard craft pumpkins at Michael's this week for 50% off!.
   
3. Bling Your Pumpkin – These sticky, rhinestone decals are a fun way to give your pumpkin some flare! Found at all craft stores, you can choose patterns, letters or individual sticky backed “bling”.I have found these stick best if applied to craft pumpkins but can be applied to painted pumpkins if you use a little extra glue to secure them in place.
4. Batty Sticker Pumpkin – This is another 5 minute pumpkin that looks really stunning. It was inspired by this pumpkin at it all started with paint where you can find a link to a free printable bat pattern.However, I didn't have the time or patience to cut each bat out of poster board! Instead I bought these chipboard bat stickers at Michael's. I just folded the wings forward and only stuck the center of the bat to the pumpkin. (I attached mine to a craft pumpkin and they stuck really well. If you are attaching stickers to a real pumpkin you many need to use a little hot glue or E600 to keep them in place.)
5. Glitter and Glam Pumpkin – I love the look of adding glitter to the top and stem of this pumpkin and boy does it shine! Just brush your pumpkin with Modge Podge (under $2 for smallest bottle at Michael's). Shake glitter onto pumpkin over newspaper or file folder. (This makes for easy clean up since you can fold it in half and pour the excess back into the bottle to use later.) Also use a damp paper towel or clean paint brush to remove excess glitter from the pumpkin. 
6. Washi Tape Pumpkin – I may have an obsession with washi tape! It comes in so many fun designs and patterns. There are endless ways you could use washi tape to decorate a pumpkin; horizontal or vertical stripes, a collage of various tapes or completely covering the pumpkin. Get creative!
7. Painted Pumpkins – Love these chevron pumpkins painted by My Sweet Savannah. Just paint, paint brush and painters tape is all it takes to make some incredible designs.
8. Witch Hat Pumpkin – This simple witch hat is so cute sitting on top of this pumpkin that you wouldn't have to do anything else to have a show stopping pumpkin. See more at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
9. Studded, Thum Tack Pumpkins – Jessie Jane at Lifeshop created these A-MAZ-ING thumb tack pumpkins. It just doesn't get any easier than this but the results are stunning.
10. Pressed Leaves Pumpkin – Love this decoupaged pumpkin from Midwest Living. Wouldn't it be fun to take a fall Utah hike and then use the leaves you gathered to make this pumpkin. What a great way to preserve your memories.
11. Lace Pumpkin – Better Homes and Gardens has the instructions to make this lacy pumpkin. If you want to make it a little easier, use a lacy stocking to go over the pumpkin instead.
12. Melted Crayon Pumpkin – Old crayons and a blow dryer are all you need for this artistic, melted crayon pumpkin from Crafty Morning.
13. Candy Corn Pumpkin – Simple but so cute, this candy corn pumpkin from Better Homes and Gardens, is easy enough for the kids to make!
14. Glow in the Dark Pumpkins – A Little Craft in Your Day shows how to make these glowing pumpkins with glow in the dark paint.
15. Wire Pumpkin – Why not decorate a pumpkin with metal wire? Bella Knitting created this cool pumpkin.
16. Doily Pumpkin  – I love the way this paper doily looks on this pumpkin. See how to reproduce this cool look at 17 Apart.
17. Sweater Pumpkin – A dollar store pumpkin and an old sweater are all that you need to make this adorable pumpkin from Confessions of a Plate Addict.
18. Sequin Pumpkin – Loving this colorful and shiny pumpkin by the Rabens Family.
19. Candy Owl Pumpkin – Love the use of candy on this cute owl pumpkin from All You magazine!
20. Yarn/Twine Wrapped Pumpkin – Hop on over to The Country Chic Cottage to check out these twine pumpkins.
21. Flower Pumpkins – Mums and pumpkins are a great combination. Southern Living put the two together into one beautiful centerpiece. 
22. Mr. Potato Head Pumpkin – I adore this fun idea from Meet the Dubiens. Perfect for a toddler or preschooler!
23. Fingernail Polish Marbled Pumpkins – Mom Dot has a great video for marbling pumpkins with inexpensive fingernail polish.
24. Sharpie Pumpkins – Aren't these Sharpie Owl Pumpkins beautiful! Lil Blue Boo has a great tutorial on how to make these Mexican Art inspired gourds.
25. Olaf Pumpkin – Love this cute Olaf pumpkin by Crafty Morning. There are many ideas for character pumpkins on Pinterest. Wouldn't it would be fun to decorate a pumpkin to match your child's Halloween costume!

Hopefully this inspires you to get crafty and try some pumpkin decorating this year! Don't forget to check your craft store coupons before you go. Here are some Craft Store coupons for you:

Hobby Lobby Coupons:
40% off one regular priced item
Also 40% off fall decor, party, crafts and floral sale (no coupon needed)

Hancock Fabrics Coupons:
$5 off $25 entire purchase or $15 off $75
40% off one regular priced sewing or quilting item
50% off one regular priced fabric item

JoAnn's Fabric and Craft Coupons:
50% off one regular priced item

Michael's Craft Store Coupons
50% off one regular priced item
Also, they are having a 50% off craft pumpkins and Halloween decor sale (ends 10/10)