20 Creative Ideas to Elevate Your Fall Decor With Pumpkin Paintings
Pumpkin painting has become a creative and fun alternative to traditional pumpkin carving, offering endless opportunities to decorate without the mess of scooping and cutting. Whether you’re looking to craft whimsical designs, spooky characters, or elegant fall decorations, painting pumpkins allows you to explore your artistic side with just a few supplies. From vibrant colors to intricate patterns, this fall tradition is perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it a festive way to embrace the season’s spirit.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most exciting and easy pumpkin painting ideas to inspire your autumn creativity.
1. Spider Web Pumpkins
Image Credits: goodhousekeeping
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Painter’s tape or masking tape
- Black or dark-colored spray paint
- Fake plastic spiders
- Glue
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin. If it’s a real pumpkin, wipe off any dirt or moisture to ensure the tape and paint stick properly.
- Using painter’s or masking tape, cut several long strips and arrange them on the pumpkin in a crisscross pattern. This will form the base of your spider web.
- For the webbing, add smaller pieces of tape connecting the main strips in a curved or spiral design. Think of a classic spider web shape.
- Take the pumpkin outside or to a well-ventilated area. Using black or dark-colored spray paint, lightly coat the entire surface of the pumpkin, covering both the tape and any exposed areas.
- Apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid drips. Allow the paint to dry completely between layers.
- Once the paint is fully dry, carefully peel off the tape. This will reveal the web pattern in the original color of the pumpkin underneath.
- Glue a few fake plastic spiders onto the pumpkin, placing them strategically on or around the web design for a creepy finishing touch.
2. Popcorn Pumpkin
Image Credits: goodhousekeeping
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Popped popcorn (plain, no butter or oil)
- Craft glue or hot glue
- Small paintbrush
- White paint (optional)
- Yellow acrylic paint
- Fake butter or yellow tissue paper (optional, for added effect)
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin. If you want the pumpkin to have a neutral base, you can paint it white and let it dry completely before moving on. This step is optional.
- Make a batch of plain, unbuttered popcorn. Allow it to cool and set aside. Make sure there’s no oil or butter to prevent the glue from sticking.
- Using a small paintbrush, spread craft glue or hot glue across the top portion of the pumpkin, focusing on the area around the stem where you want the “popcorn” to appear. You can also glue popcorn halfway down the pumpkin to create a more cascading effect.
- While the glue is still wet, carefully press pieces of popcorn onto the glued areas of the pumpkin. Try to create a mounded effect to make it look like the pumpkin is overflowing with popcorn. Continue adding layers until you’re happy with the coverage.
- Once the popcorn is securely glued, use yellow acrylic paint to dab or lightly brush on small amounts of “butter” in random spots. This will make the popcorn look more realistic and fun!
- Allow the glue and paint to fully dry before displaying your popcorn pumpkin.
3. Hocus Pocus Pumpkins
Image Credits: goodhousekeeping
Materials
- 3 Pumpkins (real or artificial)
- Acrylic paints (black, purple, yellow, orange, green)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Black and yellow markers
- Stencils or printed images of the Sanderson sisters’ hair (optional for guidance)
- Mod Podge or clear sealant
Instructions
- Select three pumpkins to represent the three Sanderson sisters—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary. If using real pumpkins, make sure they are clean and dry.
- Using a pencil, lightly sketch the outline of each sister’s hair on the pumpkins.
- Winifred: Large, red, curly hair in the shape of an upside-down heart.
- Sarah: Long, wavy blonde hair.
- Mary: A swooped, dark purple hairstyle with a twist on one side.
- You can use stencils or printed images as a guide if needed.
- Start by painting the hair designs:
- Winifred: Use orange or reddish-orange paint for her signature fiery locks.
- Sarah: Paint her hair in light yellow or blonde shades.
- Mary: Use deep purple for Mary’s unique hairstyle.
- Let each layer dry before applying additional coats if necessary to make the colors vibrant.
- For a simple design, you can stop after painting the hair. But if you want to add more detail, lightly draw or paint their facial features below the hair:
- Winifred: A sharp, prominent smile and arched brows.
- Sarah: Soft, wide eyes with a dreamy expression.
- Mary: A quirky, crooked smile with raised eyebrows.
- Use black or yellow markers or thin paintbrushes to outline the details.
- To give the pumpkins a polished look, you can use black paint to fill in the rest of the pumpkin’s surface for a spooky contrast.
- You can also paint fun Hocus Pocus quotes or symbols, like a broom, cauldron, or the Black Flame Candle, onto the pumpkin.
- Once the paint is fully dry, apply Mod Podge or a clear sealant to protect the design and give it a finished look.
- Arrange the pumpkins together, either on your porch, fireplace mantle, or as part of a Halloween centerpiece, and let the Sanderson sisters cast their spell over your decorations!
4. Unicorn Pumpkin
Image Credits: goodhousekeeping
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial, preferably white)
- White paint (if the pumpkin isn’t white)
- Gold or glittery paper for the horn
- Colored craft foam or felt for the earsHot glue gun or craft glue
- Pink, purple, and pastel paints (for the flowers or accents)
- Black paint or marker (for the eyes)
- Paintbrushes
- Artificial flowers (optional, for added decoration)
- Glitter (optional for extra sparkle)
Instructions
- If you are using a real pumpkin, clean and dry it thoroughly.
- If your pumpkin isn’t already white, paint it with white acrylic paint and allow it to dry completely. This will give it a soft, magical base.
- Take a piece of gold glittery paper or cardstock and roll it into a cone shape to form the horn.
- Secure the cone with hot glue or tape and trim the bottom so it can sit flat on top of the pumpkin.
- Use hot glue to attach the horn to the top center of the pumpkin, near the stem.
- Cut out two large ear shapes from white craft foam or felt and two smaller inner ear shapes from pink foam or felt.
- Glue the smaller pink inner ears onto the white ears.
- Attach the ears to the pumpkin using hot glue, positioning them on either side of the horn.
- Using black paint or a permanent marker, draw two closed eyes with long eyelashes on the front of the pumpkin.
- Keep the eyes simple by drawing gentle curves with a few lashes extending outward for a cute, dreamy look.
- Paint or glue pastel-colored artificial flowers around the base of the horn to create a floral crown for your unicorn. You can mix shades of pink, purple, and blue to enhance the magical vibe.
- If you’re painting the flowers, use small dabs of pastel-colored paint around the base of the horn and ears, blending them softly.
- Sprinkle glitter around the flowers, horn, and ears to give the unicorn a sparkly, enchanting appearance.
- You can also paint small accents like stars or hearts on the pumpkin for added charm.
- Allow all the glued and painted elements to fully dry before handling the pumpkin.
- Place your unicorn pumpkin in a prominent spot, like your front porch, table, or as part of your Halloween or fall decor, to spread its magical charm!
5. Skeleton Pumpkin
Image Credits: goodhousekeeping
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Black and white acrylic paint or spray paint
- Paintbrushes (small and medium)
- Pencil (for sketching)
- Black marker
- Stencils of a skeleton face
- Glow-in-the-dark paint
- Clear sealant (optional for longevity)
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin. If you are using a real pumpkin, wipe it off to remove any dirt or debris.
- If the pumpkin is not already white, paint the entire surface with white acrylic paint or spray paint. Let it dry completely. This will serve as the base for the skeleton design.
- Lightly sketch the skeleton face on the front of the pumpkin using a pencil. If you’re not confident in freehand drawing, you can use a stencil for guidance.
- Focus on key features like:
- Large, hollow eye sockets (two oval shapes).
- A small triangle or upside-down heart for the nose.
- A wide mouth with straight lines for teeth.
- Eye Sockets & Nose: Using black paint, fill in the eye sockets and nose shape to give the skeleton a hollow, eerie look.
- Mouth & Teeth: Paint a wide, horizontal black line for the mouth. Then, add vertical lines across the mouth to represent the teeth. The lines don’t have to be perfectly straight, as a slightly crooked smile adds to the creepy skeleton vibe.
- For an extra spooky effect, use glow-in-the-dark paint to outline the eyes, nose, or mouth. This will make the pumpkin look eerie in the dark!
- Once the paint is dry, go over any lines or areas that need touching up. You can use a black marker to define small details like the teeth or edges of the eyes and nose.
- If you want your pumpkin to last longer or have a glossy finish, apply a coat of clear sealant once all the paint is dry.
6. Googly Eye Pumpkins
Image Credits: countryliving
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Googly eyes (various sizes)
- Craft glue or hot glue gun
- Black paint
- Paintbrush
- Glitter
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin. If you’re using a real pumpkin, make sure to wipe off any dirt.
- If you want a different background color, paint the entire pumpkin black or another contrasting color and let it dry completely. This step is optional but adds a nice background for the googly eyes to stand out.
- Before gluing, decide how you want to arrange the googly eyes. You can scatter them randomly all over the pumpkin or cluster them in specific areas like the front, top, or around the stem.
- Using different-sized eyes will make the pumpkin look more interesting and whimsical.
- Apply craft glue or hot glue to the back of each googly eye and press them firmly onto the pumpkin. Start with the larger eyes and then fill in the gaps with smaller ones.
- Cover as much of the pumpkin as you’d like—whether you’re going for a fully covered look or just a few here and there.
- If you want to add some extra flair, you can sprinkle glitter between the googly eyes while the glue is still wet, or paint fun shapes or patterns around the eyes.
- You can also paint small eyelashes or brows near the googly eyes for a comical or spooky expression.
- Once all the googly eyes are glued in place, allow the pumpkin to fully dry before handling it.
- Place your pumpkin in a spot where its quirky eyes can catch attention. It works great as a playful Halloween decoration, especially if you pair it with other pumpkins or spooky decor!
7. Caramel Apple Painted Pumpkins
Image Credits: countryliving
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Red, brown, and white acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes (medium and small)
- Craft foam or popsicle sticks (for the “apple stem”)
- Hot glue or craft glue
- Clear gloss or Mod Podge (optional for a glossy finish)
- Paint palette or paper plate
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin. If you’re using a real pumpkin, wipe off any dirt.
- If desired, you can paint the bottom part of the pumpkin white as a base coat and let it dry before adding the red apple color.
- Paint the entire pumpkin red to mimic the look of a bright, shiny apple. Use acrylic paint and apply thin, even layers, allowing each coat to dry before adding another. You may need 2-3 coats for a vibrant, smooth finish.
- Be sure to paint around the stem but leave the top 1/4 of the pumpkin unpainted for the caramel effect.
- Once the red paint is fully dry, use brown acrylic paint to create the caramel layer on the top of the pumpkin. Start about 1/4 down from the stem and paint irregular drips to make it look like caramel is oozing down the pumpkin.
- Add a thicker brown section near the stem to make it look like the caramel is pooling there.
- Let the brown paint dry completely.
- To give the caramel a glossy, realistic look, you can apply a layer of clear gloss or Mod Podge over the brown paint. This will give it that sticky, shiny caramel effect.
- While the paint is drying, you can prepare the apple “stem.” Use a popsicle stick or roll a piece of brown craft foam into a cylinder shape to resemble the stick that goes into a caramel apple.
- Attach the stick to the top of the pumpkin using hot glue or craft glue. If using a real pumpkin, glue it right next to the pumpkin’s natural stem, or you can remove the stem and replace it with the fake stick for an authentic caramel apple look.
- You can paint small white highlights on the caramel and red portions to give the pumpkin a shiny, glossy look as if the light is reflecting off the surface.
- Sprinkle some craft glitter on the “caramel” part while the gloss is drying for a sugared caramel effect.
- Allow the paint and glue to fully dry before handling or displaying your pumpkin.
- Place your caramel apple pumpkin on a decorative plate or among other fall-themed decor for a fun, festive look that’ll have everyone thinking twice before realizing it’s not edible!
8. Mini Pumpkin Animal Wall Mounts
Image Credits: countryliving
Materials
- Mini pumpkins (one for each animal you want to make)
- Craft felt or foam (for ears, horns, etc.)
- Googly eyes or black beads (for eyes)
- Craft paint (various colors)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
- Wooden plaques or cardboard for mounting (optional)
- Fake fur, feathers, or other embellishments (optional)
Instructions
- Decide which animals you’d like to create—such as a deer, fox, bunny, or owl. Each animal will be made using one mini pumpkin as the base for the head.
- Paint the mini pumpkins to match the animal you’re making. For example:
- Fox: Paint the pumpkin orange with white for the snout.
- Bunny: Paint it white or soft gray.
- Owl: Use shades of brown and white.
- Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
- Ears: Cut out ear shapes from felt or foam. For example, foxes will need pointy ears, while bunnies will need long, soft ears.
- Paint or add details to the felt, like pink inner ears for a bunny.
- Noses, Beaks, or Snouts: You can create these features by painting them directly onto the pumpkin or gluing small felt or foam pieces in place.
- Owl: Use a small triangle piece for the beak.
- Fox: Paint a black nose at the tip of the pumpkin.
- Once the ears and other features are ready, use a hot glue gun to attach them to the mini pumpkins.
- For a bunny: Glue long felt ears on the top or slightly toward the back of the pumpkin.
- For a deer: Cut small antler shapes from brown felt and glue them on top of the pumpkin.
- For an owl: Add small feather pieces around the eyes or wings made of felt on the sides.
- Attach googly eyes or small black beads to the pumpkin with glue for the eyes. Alternatively, you can paint on the eyes if you prefer a simpler look.
- For an owl, you might want to make the eyes larger with circular yellow rings around them to give a wide-eyed, wise appearance.
- Add details like small tufts of fake fur for a bunny’s tail or feathers for the owl.
- You can also paint on extra features like whiskers, spots, or facial details to give your animals more personality.
- If you want to mount the mini pumpkins on a plaque, use small wooden plaques (available at craft stores) or cut-out cardboard circles to act as the base.
- Paint or decorate the plaques as desired, matching the theme of your animals.
- Glue the back of the mini pumpkin onto the plaque securely. If you’re using cardboard, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the pumpkin.
- Attach a small picture-hanging hook to the back of the plaque if you’re using wood. If using cardboard, you can punch a small hole and use a string or ribbon to hang it.
9. Wise Owl Pumpkin
Image Credits: countryliving
Materials
- 1 medium-sized pumpkin (for the owl’s body)
- 1 small pumpkin (for the owl’s head)
- Brown, white, and yellow acrylic paint
- Black acrylic paint or marker (for details)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Craft foam or paper (for wings, beak, and feet)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Scissors
- Googly eyes
- Twigs or leaves (optional for extra detail)
Instructions
- Start with clean, dry pumpkins.
- Body (Medium Pumpkin): Paint the medium-sized pumpkin white to represent the owl’s body. Apply 2-3 coats for an even finish, letting each coat dry completely.
- Head (Small Pumpkin): Paint the smaller pumpkin white to represent the owl’s head. Again, apply 2-3 coats, allowing it to dry between layers.
- Once the paint is dry, glue the small pumpkin (head) on top of the medium pumpkin (body) using a hot glue gun or craft glue. Make sure it’s secure and stable.
- Wings: Cut out two wing shapes from brown craft foam or paper. Glue the wings onto the sides of the medium pumpkin to give your owl its iconic winged look.
- Beak: Cut a small triangle from yellow or orange craft foam or paper to create the owl’s beak. Glue the beak in the center of the small pumpkin (head), just below where the eyes will go.
- If using googly eyes, glue them above the beak of the small pumpkin.
- Use black acrylic paint or a marker to add small details like feathers or lines around the eyes, wings, and body to give your owl more character.
- You can also add little tufts of feathers using twigs or leaves for an extra natural touch.
- Allow all the paint and glue to dry completely before moving your Wise Owl Pumpkin.
10. Gold-Splattered Painted Pumpkins
Image Credits: countryliving
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- White or black acrylic paint (or any base color you prefer)
- Gold acrylic paint or metallic gold spray paint
- Paintbrushes (medium and small)
- Old toothbrush or stiff paintbrush (for splattering)
- Paper towels or newspapers (to protect your workspace)
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin. If using a real pumpkin, make sure it’s free of dirt and debris.
- Paint the entire pumpkin with a base color, such as white, black, or any other shade you prefer. You might need to apply 2-3 coats of acrylic paint to get a smooth, even finish.
- Let the paint dry completely.
- Lay down newspapers or paper towels to protect your workspace from splattered paint. This step is important because the splattering technique can get messy!
- If you don’t want your hands to get paint on them, wear gloves while working.
- Pour a small amount of gold acrylic paint onto a palette or paper plate. Add a few drops of water to thin the paint slightly, making it easier to splatter.
- If you’re using metallic gold spray paint, spray a little into a disposable container for splattering.
- Dip an old toothbrush or stiff paintbrush into the gold paint. Hold the brush near the pumpkin and flick your thumb or finger across the bristles, creating a splattering effect.
- Adjust the splattering by varying the distance from the pumpkin. The closer you are, the more concentrated the splatters will be, while further away creates a more spread-out effect.
- Rotate the pumpkin as you splatter to cover all sides evenly.
- After you’ve finished splattering, allow the pumpkin to dry completely before moving it.
- Place your pumpkin in a prominent spot as part of your fall decor! It will add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any setting.
11. Painted Botanical Pumpkin
Image Credits: thepioneerwoman
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- White or pastel acrylic paint (for the base coat)
- Green, gold, or earth-toned acrylic paints (for leaves and botanical elements)
- Fine-tip paintbrushes
- Pencil (for sketching)
- Sealant spray (optional for protection and shine)
- Paint palette or paper plate
- Paper towels or newspapers (to protect your workspace)
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin. If you’re using a real pumpkin, make sure to wipe it clean of any dirt or debris.
- Paint the entire pumpkin with a base coat of white, light pastel, or soft earth tones (beige, light green, or pale yellow work beautifully). Apply 2-3 coats for an even finish, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.
- Once the base coat is dry, use a pencil to lightly sketch botanical designs on the pumpkin. You can draw leaves, vines, flowers, or even ferns for a natural, organic look.
- If you’re not confident in freehand sketching, you can find simple botanical stencils or templates to trace onto the pumpkin.
- Use fine-tip paintbrushes and green acrylic paint to outline and fill in the leaves and vines. For a more artistic and detailed effect, use multiple shades of green to create depth and texture in the leaves.
- If you want to add flowers, use soft colors like pink, lavender, or gold. You can also add small, delicate details like veins on the leaves or petals.
- For an extra touch of elegance, add thin gold highlights to the edges of the leaves or flowers using a small detail brush.
- For a more artistic look, you can layer colors and create shading on the leaves by using a dry brush technique. Dip your brush lightly in paint, then wipe most of it off before applying it to the pumpkin. This gives the leaves a more textured and natural appearance.
- If you want to add texture to your pumpkin, you can also use metallic gold or copper paint to splatter small, subtle dots around the botanical designs. This adds a rustic, yet refined look.
- Once the paint is fully dry, you can apply a sealant spray to protect your design and give it a glossy finish. This is especially useful if you plan to display your pumpkin outdoors or want it to last longer.
- Allow the pumpkin to dry fully before moving it or displaying it to avoid smudging the intricate botanical design.
- Place your pumpkin on a mantle, table, or porch, or group it with other fall decorations for a sophisticated autumn display. It pairs beautifully with natural elements like pinecones, dried leaves, or acorns.
12. Floral Moon Pumpkin
Image Credits: thepioneerwoman
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Black, white, or light-colored acrylic paint (for the base coat)
- Gold or silver acrylic paint (for the moon)
- Assorted faux flowers (dried or fabric flowers in soft, neutral tones)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Paintbrushes (medium and fine-tip)
- Pencil (for sketching)
- Glitter or metallic paint (optional for accents)
Instructions
- Paint the entire pumpkin with a base coat of black, white, or any light pastel shade (such as soft pink or pale gray). This will make the moon and flowers stand out. Apply 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next.
- Once the base coat is dry, use a pencil to lightly sketch a crescent moon shape on the front of the pumpkin. The crescent can be as large or as small as you want, depending on how much space you want to leave for the floral elements.
- If you’re not confident with freehand drawing, you can use a circular object (like a bowl) to trace the curve of the moon.
- Paint the moon shape with gold or silver acrylic paint. Use smooth, even strokes and apply multiple coats if needed to get a rich, metallic finish.
- Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
- Arrange your faux flowers along the edges or inside the crescent moon, depending on the look you want. You can cluster flowers along one side of the moon or fill the entire crescent with blooms.
- Use hot glue to carefully attach the flowers to the pumpkin. Start with the largest flowers first, then fill in gaps with smaller ones or greenery.
- Mix different sizes, shapes, and colors for variety. Soft, neutral tones like ivory, blush, and dusty pink work well, but feel free to match your color scheme.
- For an extra magical touch, you can add small metallic or glitter accents around the moon and flowers. Use a fine-tip paintbrush to create stars or dots around the moon, or sprinkle glitter on top of the glue before it dries for a sparkling effect.
- You can also paint small stars, constellations, or celestial details around the moon if you want a more celestial vibe.
- Allow everything to dry fully before handling or displaying the pumpkin.
13. Pineapple Pumpkin
Image Credits: thepioneerwoman
Materials
- Tall pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Yellow acrylic paint or spray paint
- Green craft paper, felt, or foam sheets (for the leaves)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Black marker or brown paint (for the pineapple texture)
Instructions
- Choose a tall pumpkin that will mimic the shape of a pineapple.
- Paint the entire pumpkin yellow, using either yellow acrylic paint or yellow spray paint. If using acrylic paint, apply thin, even coats with a brush. You may need 2-3 coats to get an even, vibrant yellow color.
- Let the paint dry completely between coats.
- Once the yellow paint is dry, use a pencil to lightly sketch diagonal lines across the pumpkin, creating the pineapple’s signature diamond pattern.
- Use a black marker or brown paint and a fine brush to go over the lines, creating the textured look of a pineapple. You can also add small dots or “V” shapes at the intersections of the lines to enhance the look.
- Let the paint or marker dry completely.
- While the paint dries, make the pineapple’s leaves. Cut out long, narrow leaf shapes from green craft paper felt, or foam sheets. The leaves should be different lengths, with some being taller and others shorter to create a natural layered effect.
- You’ll need about 8-12 leaves to form a full crown at the top of the pumpkin.
- Gather the leaves into a bundle, arranging them with the tallest in the center and shorter ones around the edges to create a fanned-out look.
- Use hot glue or craft glue to glue the leaves together at the base.
- Once the leaves are secured together, glue the base of the bundle to the top of the pumpkin, around or on top of the pumpkin’s stem.
- Allow the glue and any added paint to dry completely before handling the pumpkin.
14. Constellation Pumpkin
Image Credits: thepioneerwoman
Materials
- Pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Black or dark blue acrylic paint or spray paint (for the night sky)
- White or gold acrylic paint or metallic marker (for the stars)
- Fine-tip paintbrush
- Pencil or chalk (for sketching)
- String lights or battery-operated tea light
Instructions
- Paint the entire pumpkin black or dark blue to create the look of a night sky. Use either acrylic paint with a brush or spray paint for faster coverage.
- Apply 2-3 coats for an even, opaque finish, letting each coat dry completely before adding the next.
- Decide which constellations you’d like to feature on your pumpkin. Popular choices include Orion, Cassiopeia, Ursa Major (Big Dipper), or even a custom constellation that holds meaning for you.
- You can look up images of constellations online or refer to star charts for inspiration.
- Use a pencil or chalk to lightly sketch out the constellations on the pumpkin. Draw small dots where the stars will go and connect them with light lines to outline the constellation.
- If you want a more subtle or abstract look, you can skip the lines and just paint the stars.
- Use a fine-tip paintbrush and white or gold acrylic paint to paint the stars. For each dot, dab a small amount of paint to create bright, pinpoint stars.
- For a more realistic effect, vary the size of the stars. Make some dots larger to represent brighter stars, while others should be smaller for a dimmer look.
- If you prefer, you can use a metallic marker or fine brush with white or gold paint to connect the stars in each constellation with thin lines. This will make the constellation patterns more visible.
- If you’re using a real pumpkin, place string lights or battery-operated tea light inside to create a glowing constellation effect when the lights shine through the holes.
- You can also add random stars around the constellations to fill in the “night sky.” Use small dots of white or gold paint scattered across the pumpkin for a starry sky effect.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before handling or displaying the pumpkin.
- Place your pumpkin in a dim or dark space, either on a porch or inside, where the constellation design can shine. If you added lights inside, make sure to turn them on for a glowing, celestial effect.
15. Burger Pumpkin
Image Credits: thepioneerwoman
Materials
- 1 medium to large pumpkin (for the burger bun)
- Yellow acrylic paint or spray paint (for the top bun)
- Brown acrylic paint or spray paint (for the bottom bun)
- Green craft paper felt, or foam sheets (for lettuce)
- Red craft paper felt, or foam sheets (for tomato)
- Yellow craft paper, felt, or foam sheets (for cheese)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
Instructions
- Paint the top half of the pumpkin with yellow acrylic paint or spray paint to represent the top bun. Apply 2-3 coats for an even finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
- Paint the bottom half of the pumpkin with brown acrylic paint or spray paint for the bottom bun. Again, apply 2-3 coats and let dry completely.
- Lettuce: Cut out leaf shapes from green craft paper, felt, or foam sheets to represent the lettuce. You can make the leaves wavy for a more realistic look.
- Tomato: Cut out circles or rounded shapes from red craft paper or felt for the tomato slices.
- Cheese: Cut out squares or triangles from yellow craft paper or felt for the cheese.
- Once the paint on the pumpkin is dry, start gluing the toppings onto the pumpkin.
- Use hot glue to attach the lettuce leaves around the bottom of the top bun (yellow part). Layer them for a fuller look.
- Next, glue the tomato slices on top of the lettuce. You can stack them or arrange them in a fan shape.
- Finally, add the cheese on top of the tomato. You can let it drape slightly for a more natural look.
- Allow all glue and paint to dry completely before moving the pumpkin.
- Place your Burger Pumpkin as a whimsical centerpiece on your porch, table, or as part of your fall decor. It’s a fun and creative way to celebrate the season with a playful twist!
16. Candy Corn Pumpkin
Image Credits: ladydecluttered
Materials
- Medium to large pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Yellow acrylic paint or spray paint (for the bottom layer)
- Orange acrylic paint or spray paint (for the middle layer)
- White acrylic paint or spray paint (for the top layer)
- Paintbrushes (medium and small)
- Painter’s tape
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin.
- Base Layer: Start by painting the bottom third of the pumpkin yellow. Use a paintbrush or spray paint to cover the area completely. Apply 2-3 coats for a vibrant yellow finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
- Middle Layer: Once the yellow paint is dry, tape off the top of the yellow layer if you want clean lines. Then, paint the middle third of the pumpkin orange. Again, apply 2-3 coats, letting each coat dry fully.
- Top Layer: After the orange paint is dry, tape off the top of the orange layer if you want a clean edge. Paint the top third of the pumpkin white, applying 2-3 coats for an even finish.
- Once all the paint is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape if you used it. This should leave you with clean lines between the yellow, orange, and white layers.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before moving the pumpkin.
17. Poison Apple Pumpkin
Image Credits: ladydecluttered
Materials
- Medium to large pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Red acrylic paint or spray paint (for the apple)
- White acrylic paint or spray paint (for the poison details)
- Brown craft paper or foam (for the stem)
- Paintbrushes (medium and small)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin.
- Base Color: Paint the entire pumpkin with red acrylic paint or spray paint to mimic the color of an apple. Use 2-3 coats for a vibrant, even finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
- Poison Detail: Once the red paint is dry, use white acrylic paint or spray paint to create poison details. You can paint a dripping poison effect on one side of the pumpkin to give it a spooky look.
- Stem: Cut a small rectangle or cone shape from brown craft paper or foam to resemble the apple’s stem.
- Once the paint is dry, use a hot glue gun to attach the stem to the top of the pumpkin. Position the leaf near the stem for a natural look.
- Allow any glue or paint to dry completely before moving the pumpkin.
18. Day Of The Dead Pumpkin
Image Credits: ladydecluttered
Materials
- Medium to large pumpkin (real or artificial)
- White or light-colored acrylic paint (for the base coat)
- Colorful acrylic paints (bright pink, blue, yellow, green, orange, etc.)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Black acrylic paint (for detailing)
- Pencil (for sketching)
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin.
- Paint the entire pumpkin with white or light-colored acrylic paint. This serves as a base that will make the colors pop. Apply 2-3 coats for an even finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
- Once the base coat is dry, use a pencil to lightly sketch out your designs on the pumpkin. Traditional Día de los Muertos motifs include sugar skulls, flowers (like marigolds), and intricate patterns. You can use stencils for more complex designs if desired.
- Start painting your designs with colorful acrylic paints. Use bright colors like pink, blue, yellow, green, and orange to create vibrant patterns and images. Be creative with your designs—incorporate elements like flowers, hearts, and swirls.
- If you’re painting a sugar skull, add details like eyes, nose, and mouth, and decorate it with colorful patterns.
- Once the colorful paint is dry, use black acrylic paint and a fine brush to outline your designs and add details. This will help your designs stand out and give them a polished look.
- You can also add additional elements, like decorative dots or lines, to enhance the overall design.
- Allow all the paint to dry completely before handling the pumpkin.
19. Pennywise Pumpkin
Image Credits: ladydecluttered
Materials
- Medium to large pumpkin (real or artificial)
- White acrylic paint or spray paint (for the base)
- Red acrylic paint (for the clown’s nose and details)
- Black acrylic paint (for the eyes and mouth)
- Yellow acrylic paint (for the clown suit details)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin.
- Paint the entire pumpkin white using white acrylic paint or spray paint to mimic Pennywise’s skin. Apply 2-3 coats for an even finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
- Once the base coat is dry, use a pencil or chalk to lightly sketch out Pennywise’s facial features on the pumpkin. This includes the eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and the red clown nose. Make sure to capture his sinister smile and expressive eyes.
- Eyes: Fill in the eye sockets with black acrylic paint. Leave white areas for the eyeballs, which you can paint later.
- Nose: Paint the nose red. If you want a more three-dimensional effect, you can use a smaller pumpkin or a foam ball painted red and attach it as the nose using hot glue.
- Mouth: Paint the mouth black, giving it a menacing grin. For a more dramatic effect, you can use red paint to create a line of red around the mouth.
- Eyebrows: Use black paint to add exaggerated, arched eyebrows.
- If you want to represent Pennywise’s clown suit, use yellow paint to create ruffles or collar details around the neck of the pumpkin. You can also add yellow patches or designs to the pumpkin’s sides.
- Allow all the paint to dry completely before handling the pumpkin.
20. Frankenstein Pumpkin
Materials
- Medium to large pumpkin (real or artificial)
- Green acrylic paint or spray paint (for Frankenstein’s skin)
- Black acrylic paint (for hair, stitches, and details)
- White acrylic paint (for eyes and teeth)
- Paintbrushes (various sizes)
- Two bolts or screws (for the neck bolts)
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry pumpkin.
- Paint the entire pumpkin with green acrylic paint or spray paint to represent Frankenstein’s skin. Apply 2-3 coats for an even, vibrant finish, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the ne
- Once the green paint is dry, use a pencil or chalk to lightly sketch out Frankenstein’s face. Includes features like his large forehead, square-shaped mouth, stitches, and droopy eyes.
- Using black acrylic paint, paint the top section of the pumpkin to create Frankenstein’s iconic flat, square-shaped hair. Let the edges be slightly jagged for that spooky look.
- Eyes: Paint large, white circles for the eyes. Once dry, use black paint to add small pupils in the center. You can also paint droopy eyelids using light gray or green.
- Mouth: Paint a wide, square mouth in black. Add white teeth using small rectangles of white paint, and leave some gaps to create the monster’s iconic grimace.
- Stitches and Scars: Using black paint, add stitches across the forehead, cheeks, or neck. These can be done as jagged lines with small cross-stitches or black lines.
- Once the face is dry, glue the bolts or screws to the sides of the pumpkin near the bottom, representing Frankenstein’s neck bolts. You can use a hot glue gun to secure them in place.
- Allow all the paint and glue to dry completely before handling the pumpkin.
Pumpkin painting is a versatile and enjoyable way to celebrate the fall season, offering endless possibilities for personal expression and festive decor. Whether you’re creating a spooky centerpiece, a whimsical character, or a sophisticated design, painted pumpkins add charm to your home without the hassle of carving. As you explore different ideas and techniques, remember that the most important part is to have fun and let your imagination run wild. Happy painting!
