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  1. Midwest Living
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  3. Seasonal Decorating
  4. 50 Pumpkin Decorating Projects

50 Pumpkin Decorating Projects

By Midwest Living editors Updated October 28, 2022
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Decoupage pumpkin decorating
Credit: Carson Downing

Pumpkins add stylish, creative and fun touches to fall decorating. Try our techniques for creating pumpkins with personality!

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Decoupage Pumpkins

Decoupage pumpkin decorating
Credit: Carson Downing

Tissue paper cutouts create a colorful stained-glass effect on pumpkins. Start with a white pumpkin (either real or faux). Cut a variety of large geometric shapes from tissue paper in the colors of your choice.  Paint the pumpkin with a 2:1 blend of Mod Podge (or a similar product) and water, then apply tissue paper shapes so they are close but do not overlap.  

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Butterfly Shimmer Pumpkins

No-carve decorating
Credit: Adam Albright

These pumpkins look striking individually or as a glam grouping. Apply black, white or gold craft paint to create a solid base, then use a paint brush to apply contrasting metallic paint. Attach faux butterflies with hot glue. 

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Color Block Pumpkins

Color block pumpkin decorating
Credit: Carson Dowqning

Here's an easy way to create a striking display that works especially well with smaller pumpkins. Just put an inch of crafts paint in the bottom of a paper bowl, and mix in a little water until the paint is fluid but not watery. Dip the pumpkin and gently rotate. Set your pumpkins on waxed paper to dry. 

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Spooky String

Spooky String

Jazz up painted pumpkins using crafts nails and string for a spooky spiderweb effect.

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Patterned Pumpkins

Painted pumpkins
Credit: Jay Wilde

Painted geometric patterns and a gold stem create eye-catching pumpkins.

Start with a white faux pumpkin or by painting your pumpkin white. Then, apply stripes of acrylic paint in black, tangerine, blue, lime, purple and orange. Gold metallic fabric paint with a painting tip can be used to outline bands and add fine lines and dots. One-step liquid gold-leaf paint turns the stem into a sparkling crown.

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Geometric Painted Pumpkin

Geometric Pumpkin
Credit: Carson Downing

You'll just need crafts paint, a bowl and electrical tape to create this striking mod pumpkin. Trace the circle with a bowl and use electrical tape to block out the stripes (the tape works well around the curves of a pumpkin). Paint in fun colors. 

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Candy Corn Pumpkins

Candy corn pumpkins

Create these cute, almost-good-enough-to-eat pumpkins with spray paint.

Related: Easy No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas

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Chinoiserie Pumpkins

Chinoiserie pumpkins
Credit: Carson Downing

This blue and white pattern comes from an interpretation of traditional Chinese and other East Asian patterns found in decorative arts. Just paint a real or faux pumpkin blue or white, then add floral details.

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DIY Pumpkin Scene

Pumpkin decorating
Credit: Jason Donnelly

Cut an oval shape in a faux pumpkin and decorate away with objects from your home or crafts store! You can make your scene scary or cute or maybe a little bit of both. 

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Succulent Pumpkin Display

Succulent pumpkin display

Top a pumpkin with sphagnum moss and an assortment of succulents for a striking, long-lasting display. Get the step-by-step instructions for this project.

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Corn Husk Covers

Corn husk covers

For clever pumpkin art, attach slightly damp corn-husk strips at the stem and base of pumpkins with clear-drying gel glue. Buy packs of dried corn husks (used to make tamales) in the international foods section of a grocery store or at Walmart for this fall decorating idea.

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Owl Pumpkin

No-carve owl pumpkin
Credit: Jay Wilde

This adorable owl pumpkin will brings smiles to your friends and family.

You can either use a real or faux pumpkin for this project, but the easiest will be a white faux pumpkin. Use yellow, black and orange acrylic paint to create the eyes and nose, and draw on the eyebrows with brown permanent marker. For the wings, cut out two wing shapes from stiff black felt, and hot-glue overlapping layers of feathers, working from the bottom to the top. Pin the wings to the pumpkin. 

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Welcome Pumpkin

Welcome pumpkin

Put together a Halloween outdoor display like this one—featured on a Midwest Living cover—using a weathered wheelbarrow as a base.

Stuff the bottom of the wheelbarrow with newspaper. Add a mix of pumpkins, gourds, fall leaf branches and bittersweet vines. Paint a friendly message on your pumpkins, if you like.

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Painted Plaid Pumpkin

Plaid pumpkin

Tis the season for all things cozy! Mimic the pattern of your favorite flannel shirt with this easy no-carve pumpkin decorating idea. Use craft paint to give your pumpkin a solid-color base (we chose off-white), then create stripes using two contrasting paint colors. For extra-precise lines, use painters tape as a guide.

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Spooky Bat Pumpkins

Go batty

Painted bats (or bats cut from black construction paper) look spooky on your doorstep or inside.

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Animal-Print Pumpkins

More Midwest Living Halloween Ideas

Animal-print ribbon and duct tape dress pumpkins in fashion-forward style. For this easy fall craft, we applied stripes of black electrical tape and zebra duct tape on a white gourd. Tiger- and leopard-print ribbon segments fit between grooves to form a checkerboard (applied with fabric glue) on our larger pumpkin.

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Posh Pumpkins

Posh pumpkins

A black-and-white color scheme gives any decorating project a bold, sophisticated look that pops against fall's bright oranges. Download our free templates and instructions to create tissue-paper patterns for the pumpkins, then group decorated pumpkins with a vase of winterberry as an accent.

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Setting the Season

Setting the season

Vibrant dahlias in carved-out mini pumpkins delight at place settings. (We used a candle carver-a small tool that removes candle-size chunks from fruits and veggies.) Insert a votive holder as the "vase" for water and blooms. For the centerpiece, a row of cake stands raises pumpkins decorated with tisue-paper leaf silhouettes. Download our free instructions and templates for the silhouettes.

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Black Magic

Black magic

Create black-and-orange etched designs on three or four pumpkins for a bewitching display. Carve out one to hold a vase full of flowers.To start, spray-paint the pumpkins a matte black finish. (Protect the stems with tape.) When the pumpkins are dry, use a paring knife to scrape away the painted surface in vertical or horizontal lines. Or etch a simple shape or pattern, such as the sunflower or a zigzag.

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Woodland Animals Pumpkins

Woodland scene pumpkins

Put woodland-theme pumpkins together with seasonal accents, such as gourds, mums and a colorful blanket, to create a scene like the one on the cover of a previous Midwest Living  issue. Click for instructions and free downloadable templates to make a variety of painted, carved and etched woodland pumpkins.

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Bittersweet-and-White Centerpiece

Orange-and-white centerpiece

White pumpkins encircled by bittersweet vine and set along an orange table runner create a striking table arrangement.

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Pumpkin Stack

Pumpkin stack

Choose three flat-bottomed pumpkins in graduated sizes and different colors. (No need to hollow them out.) Using a ¾-inch hole-saw bit, drill circles in desired pattern. Switch drilled plugs between pumpkins of different colors. We pushed the plugs slightly below the skin for a 3-D effect. Using a wood-carving gouge or tip of a vegetable peeler, cut random swirls.

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Fanciful Pumpkins

Fanciful pumpkins
Credit: Jason Donnelly.

Fluttering butterflies alight on pumpkins in this attractive fall centerpiece. For this easy fall craft, we spray-painted faux butterflies from a crafts store all black for a sophisticated look and then trimmed their wires to press into the pumpkins' skin. A harlequinlike mask adds whimsy.

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Dotted Pumpkins

More fall decorating ideas

Whimsical dots create a two-tone or multicolor design with season-long appeal.

Use a plunger-type apple corer to punch out circles from an assortment of pumpkins and winter squash. Tapping the plunger with a rubber mallet helps push the corer through tough pumpkin shells. Then re-insert the circles in contrasting-color pumpkins. Mix and match the circles from different pumpkins to create polka-dot patterns, or discard circles to let light glow through your design.

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Sew Fun

Sew fun

We got the notion to do some pumpkin decorating during a trip to the local fabric store. A warty gourd took on black spots when we hot-glued on assorted sized buttons. Other buttons march down a white pumpkin like a fancy shirtfront; white bead-head straight pins secure them and color coordinate the look. Those same pins daintily trail down the sides of a small orange pumpkin; while measuring tapes and rickrack pair for measureless possibilities on another when attached with glue or pins. But we really love our last idea: We pinned on a zipper and removed the "lid" of a large pumpkin to create its unzipped look.

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Creepy Mantel

Creepy mantel

We can't resist a little skin-crawling fun! Plastic spiders wander over pumpkins draped in ripped cheesecloth. "Hairy" cording feels a bit like a spider's trail on another. Add a faux crow, and you've set the proper spooky mood for Halloween.

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Midwest-Theme Stencil Pumpkins

Midwest-theme stencil pumpkins

Cast a distinctly regional spell on your Halloween pumpkins with designs that represent some of our favorite Midwest icons!

Our online collection includes the barn, maple leaf and lighthouse pictured, plus stencils of a log cabin, ear of corn, deer, eagle, pinecone, sunflower and wheat—all designed specifically for Midwest Living. Use a combination of cutouts and etchings for your designs. Download free patterns.

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Trick or Treat Pumpkins

Pumpkin decorating

Create a striking pumpkin grouping with traditional orange or white pumpkins and black paint.

Use masking tape to create desired patterns (cover areas you want to remain the pumpkin color). Spray-paint pumpkins black; remove tape to reveal design. Paint your favorite Halloween sayings between stripes. Create dots in black-painted areas by drilling holes with a cup drill bit.

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Black-and-White Tissue Paper Pumpkins

Tissue paper pumpkins

Don't let these pumpkins fool you; the designs may look painted, but the patterns are actually created with tissue paper. Download our free patterns for instructions and templates.

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Leafy Centerpiece

Leafy centerpiece

Display your favorite fall foliage colors with simple decoupage (gluing flat objects or pictures to a surface). Real leaves applied to a white pumpkin set a sophisticated scene.

For this easy fall craft, first set leaves between paper towels and flatten them under a book for at least five days. Then brush decoupage glue on a white pumpkin. Arrange the leaves on the pumpkin's surface. Cut small slits along the edges of the leaves as you go, so they'll fit the pumpkin's contours. To finish, coat the decorated surface in decoupage glue.

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Painted Crow Pumpkin

Birdbath buddy

A painted crow makes an appropriate Halloween appearance in a birdbath lined with twigs or a grapevine wreath in this easy DIY fall decoration.

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Pumpkin Panache

Pumpkin panache

Go all-out for a party with imaginative displays of pumpkin-inspired fall decorations. 

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Mini Pumpkins with Candles

Inner glow

Miniature Baby Boo, Jack-Be-Little and Sweetie Pie pumpkins become perfect candleholders when hollowed out for votives. We used old pitchforks, rake heads and an antique apple picker as simple wall sconces. (Note: Never leave burning candles unattended; if you prefer, substitute battery-powered candles for safety.)

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Painted Leaf Art

Painted leaf art

Painted designs put the spotlight on your unusual squash or pumpkin cultivars, like this striking blue-green Jarrahdale pumpkin. Start with one that is clean and dry.

Lightly sand the surface and apply paint sealer to prevent flaking. Create a design with stencils and acrylic paint, such as the leaf stencil and orange and white paints used here, then finish with a top-coat sealer.

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Patchwork Pumpkins

Patchwork pumpkins

Like working with a three-dimensional quilt, you can mix and match cut shapes from different-colored pumpkins for a custom look.

This DIY decorating idea is an easy fall craft. Simply scoop out the insides, then cut identical shapes out of two pumpkins. Switch the pieces.

Tip: For a precise edge, you can use tools such as metal cookie cutters, biscuit cutters and an apple corer to help with your cutting. For a more handcrafted look, design your own template.

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Patchwork-and-Paint Display

Create a patchwork and paint display

Set a seasonal scene on your porch or patio using our patchwork and paint techniques to create a beautiful grouping of pumpkins. Add flowers, fall leaves, small pumpkins and fresh vegetables to embellish your inspiring display.

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Message Tower

Message tower

Send your guests a spooky message with this towering display.

Sketch the outline of the letters freehand, then scrape off the pumpkin skin to highlight each letter. Stack the pumpkins on a dowel near your entryway.

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Keyed Pumpkins

Keyed pumpkins

Use antique keys (secured with long straight pins) to create seasonal messages, such as fall or eek, on your pumpkins for an easy DIY fall decoration.

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Rickrack Style

Rickrack style

Give pumpkins a dash of extra color with rickrack or ribbon from your local fabric shop for an easy DIY fall decoration.

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Elegant White

Serve up the season

Pair all-white or orange-stripe pumpkins with white tableware for a soft, elegant look.

All-white pumpkin varieties include 'Lumina', 'Baby Boo' and 'Moonshine'. Try 'Lil' Pump-Ke-Mon' for a miniature pumpkin with creamy color accented by bright orange stripes.

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Tabletop 'Mumkins'

Tabletop 'Mumkins'

Combine two fall favorites by turning a pumpkin into a bursting-with-mums flower arrangement in this DIY fall craft.

Begin carving as you would with a jack-o-lantern. Carefully cut a lid (keep the stem!) and remove the seeds and pulp. Using a drill or nail, poke small holes around the shell, just wide enough to insert flower stems. Select mums in oranges, reds and golds. Cut the stems about a half inch from the flower head, long enough to poke into the hole. Space holes so adjoining flowers cover the pumpkin flesh. Start at the top, and work your way down until the pumpkin is covered.

The number of mums you need depends on the sizes of the blooms and your pumpkin. Keep the inside of the pumpkin moist; flowers will last two or three days.

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Fall Display

Fall display

An assortment of cattails, leaves, seasonal berries and orange tulips creates a memorable fall display for a sideboard or table centerpiece. Posing the cornucopia in pretty white Lumina pumpkins adds a sophisticated surprise.

Remove the tops of the pumpkins and hollow out the insides to make fall vases. Place a watertight container inside each pumpkin to keep flowers fresh and prevent pumpkins from getting soggy.

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Simple Stencil

Simple stencil

A simple but elegant painted stencil decorates this pumpkin.

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Festive Autumn Lantern

Autumn Ambience

A Cinderella pumpkin transforms easily into a water-filled bowl with floating candles for a festive lantern.

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Leafy Look

Leafy look

For this easy fall craft, glue your favorite dried leaves on pumpkins in a variety of patterns.

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Twinkly Pumpkins

Light Bright

Twinkly lights illuminate three perfect pumpkins: white Lumina, pale orange Long Island Cheese and silvery Jarrahdale. Cut holes snug around the lights and use a strand of 50 LED lights for the best glow.

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Natural Display

Natural display

A pumpkin "basket" makes an imaginative centerpiece for a fall table. Hollow out the pumpkin, then place a block of wet floral foam inside. Position a pillar candle in the foam and surround with fall blooms and berries to complete this DIY fall decoration.

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Flower Power

Flower power

Summer still blooms when you translate flower motifs to fall pumpkins.

For this easy fall craft use an apple corer to cut flower centers, and carve petal designs with a triangle clay loop tool, available at some crafts stores or through pottery supply stores online. Swap flower centers among different-color pumpkins for whimsical contrast.

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Glittery-White Pumpkins

Black and white

Glittery white pumpkins and shiny black pedestals make a sophisticated autumn display. Spray-paint foam pumpkins white, adding textural touches such as glitter or sparkly white ribbon. Arrange on and around an assortment of black-painted pedestals; we used candleholders and a cake stand.

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Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

Pumpkin picks

Best pumpkins for carving: The quintessential pumpkin has a rich orange hue, medium to large size and strong handle. Look for varieties such as Howden Field (15-30 pounds), Magic Lantern (15-25 pounds) and Autumn Gold (8-15 pounds).

Best pumpkins for painting: Pumpkins with smooth skins are best for painting or decoupage. Try varieties such as Lumina (10-15 pounds, white) or Baby Pam (4-5 pounds, orange).

Best pumpkins for color contrast: Pumpkins look artsy in exotic and two-tone colors; no additional ornamentation needed. Look for Cinderella (25-30 pounds, dark orange/red color with deep ridges, Jarrahdale (9 pounds, with blue/green or slate gray skin), Hooligan (miniature with orange and white mottled colors), Fairytale (15 pounds, with rich mahogany brown color) and Batwing (1/4 pound, with orange and green coloring).

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    1 of 50 Decoupage Pumpkins
    2 of 50 Butterfly Shimmer Pumpkins
    3 of 50 Color Block Pumpkins
    4 of 50 Spooky String
    5 of 50 Patterned Pumpkins
    6 of 50 Geometric Painted Pumpkin
    7 of 50 Candy Corn Pumpkins
    8 of 50 Chinoiserie Pumpkins
    9 of 50 DIY Pumpkin Scene
    10 of 50 Succulent Pumpkin Display
    11 of 50 Corn Husk Covers
    12 of 50 Owl Pumpkin
    13 of 50 Welcome Pumpkin
    14 of 50 Painted Plaid Pumpkin
    15 of 50 Spooky Bat Pumpkins
    16 of 50 Animal-Print Pumpkins
    17 of 50 Posh Pumpkins
    18 of 50 Setting the Season
    19 of 50 Black Magic
    20 of 50 Woodland Animals Pumpkins
    21 of 50 Bittersweet-and-White Centerpiece
    22 of 50 Pumpkin Stack
    23 of 50 Fanciful Pumpkins
    24 of 50 Dotted Pumpkins
    25 of 50 Sew Fun
    26 of 50 Creepy Mantel
    27 of 50 Midwest-Theme Stencil Pumpkins
    28 of 50 Trick or Treat Pumpkins
    29 of 50 Black-and-White Tissue Paper Pumpkins
    30 of 50 Leafy Centerpiece
    31 of 50 Painted Crow Pumpkin
    32 of 50 Pumpkin Panache
    33 of 50 Mini Pumpkins with Candles
    34 of 50 Painted Leaf Art
    35 of 50 Patchwork Pumpkins
    36 of 50 Patchwork-and-Paint Display
    37 of 50 Message Tower
    38 of 50 Keyed Pumpkins
    39 of 50 Rickrack Style
    40 of 50 Elegant White
    41 of 50 Tabletop 'Mumkins'
    42 of 50 Fall Display
    43 of 50 Simple Stencil
    44 of 50 Festive Autumn Lantern
    45 of 50 Leafy Look
    46 of 50 Twinkly Pumpkins
    47 of 50 Natural Display
    48 of 50 Flower Power
    49 of 50 Glittery-White Pumpkins
    50 of 50 Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

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