Decorating Pumpkins Without a Mess (75+ Ideas!) (2024)

Decorating pumpkins without a big mess is so easy! Get 75+ ideas for unique pumpkin decor that is perfect for fall and Halloween. These projects are all great for beginners.

Decorating Pumpkins Without a Mess (75+ Ideas!) (1)

I’ll never forget the biggest pumpkin I’ve ever seen in my life. My dad surprised me and my fourth brothers with a ginormous gourd on a garbage cart, because it was too heavy to lift.

It was so big we even named it! I can’t remember the name, but it was girthy just like the pumpkin. And we were both excited and scared to carve it. It was probably only 4′ wide or so, and not terribly tall. But in my mind’s eye it was ten feet tall and filled with pumpkin guts.

Because the truth is, I’ve never really liked carving pumpkins for Halloween. For whatever reason that I’m sure is chemical or genetic, I hate the smell of the innards. They turn my stomach. And the texture? Makes me gag as well.

I know I’m being picky, but the whole process really grosses me out. And usually I would consider myself a little bit tougher. Especially when it comes to Halloween crafting. I mean . . . that’s my jam. I will go to great lengths to make the season fabulous.

Carving isn’t a requirement, though. While carving is very cool, there are other ways to decorate pumpkins. And I’m going to give you over 75 ideas for how to do exactly that!

There are a variety of craft items you can use for decorating pumpkins. They include but are not limited to: painting, decoupage, hot glue, pom poms, stickers, vinyl, gems, feathers, and more.

AND there are a few carving ideas in here, but they are fake pumpkins, so the experience is very different. Some fake pumpkins you can carve, some you cannot (check the tag).

If you’re ready to grab a huge list ideas for pumpkin decorating (without the smell), check out the list below! Then let me know in the comments which you try!

Decorating Pumpkins

You're going to love these no carve pumpkin decorating ideas! Instead of carving, use your favorite craft supplies to decorate these pumpkins with a lot less mess.

R2-D2 and C-3PO Star Wars Pumpkins

Photo Credit:Courtney Sanchez

These Star Wars pumpkins are so fun to make. Celebrate fall and Halloween with your own version of R2-D2 and C-3PO. These ARE the droids you’re looking for!

Mod Podge Pumpkins with Maps

Try a seasonal craft that is a bit different with these unique Mod Podge pumpkins! These DIY pumpkins are SO easy to make.

Woodland Creature No-Carve Pumpkins

Photo Credit:simpleasthatblog.com

These woodland creature no-carve pumpkins are the perfect way to dress up your gourds this fall. If you love pumpkins, but loathe carving them, this is the project for you!

Glow in the Dark Vinyl

Photo Credit:Crystal Owens

Learn how to make glow in the dark pumpkins using vinyl! This is a very EASY project with absolutely no mess, and a great way to decorate your Halloween porch.

DIY Painted Buffalo Check Pumpkins

Photo Credit:Amy Bell

Learn how to make these buffalo check pumpkins with plain craft pumpkins. An easy and trendy craft project to make for fall!

Ice Cream Cones

Photo Credit:thediyplaybook.com

Oh my - these ice cream cones are the cutest! Just requires some simply painting.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Gift

Photo Credit:plaidonline.com

Give that coffee lover what they love most, a 'pumpkin' spice latte sprinkled with color and creativity. Easily transform a small gourd into a faux popular coffee drink that is sure to make you smile.

Scandinavian Inspired

Photo Credit:thehousethatlarsbuilt.com

White mini gourds are made up with this no-carve idea. Just mini painted pumpkins for a fast and lovely look.

These Galaxy Pumpkins Are Out of This World

Photo Credit:Plaid Crafts

These cool painted galaxy pumpkins remind me of a night sky! Keep them on your porch for Halloween decor. No crafting skills required!

DIY Fruit Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.stylemepretty.com

Try these no-carve, no mess pumpkins for Halloween. Using paint and paper, you can style them into your favorite fruit. Perfect for a DIY project for kids!

DIY Rainbow Pumpkins

Photo Credit:thehousethatlarsbuilt.com

Click for my top tips + every shade of paint you'll need to make your own DIY rainbow pumpkins to fill your front porch this Halloween and Thanksgiving!

Disney UP Pumpkin

Photo Credit:Crystal Owens

How to make a no-carve DIY Disney UP Pumpkin. This easy decorating idea is inspired by the Disney Pixar movie and is easy for kids to make.

Sparkle Skeleton Pumpkin

Learn how to turn a plain faux pumpkin into a spooky Halloween skull pumpkin! It's very easy to do, and perfect for your holiday decor.

Snoopy as Red Baron

Photo Credit:meaningfulmenagerie.blogspot.com

Remember Snoopy's imaginary battles against the Red Baron? They began in the 60s and lasted for several decades! You can commemorate them with these decorated pumpkins.

How to Make Sharpie Owl Pumpkins

Photo Credit:Ashley Hackshaw

A cute idea for decorating a pumpkin without carving it: draw these "sugar skull" owls on the pumpkins using sharpie markers. Make a whole family of owls! Trick your pumpkin.

Abstract Painted

Photo Credit:asubtlerevelry.com

They are bold, beautiful and a great way to make this Halloween the brightest one yet. Whetherpumpkins are stacked on the porch, set as an arrangement on the table, or given out as favors (one mini pumpkin perguest), this colorful look will make them all more fun.

Hand Painted Florals

Photo Credit:www.craftberrybush.com

You might be thinking that if you don't know how to paint, you can't decorate a pumpkin using this method. But that's the thing! This is really easy beginner painting, and Lucy is going to show you how. These craft pumpkins can be customized to suit any decor style or color.

Abstract Acrylic Pour

Photo Credit:plaidonline.com

Give your gourds some spooky Halloween colors with this fun acrylic paint pouring project! Paint pour pumpkins of every size to add a little more color to your fall decor.

DIY Caramel Apple Decorated Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.awwsam.com

These caramel apple pumpkins are super easy to make, and would be a fun project to make with kiddos. You could even let them pick or mix and match toppings for each pumpkin!

Fabric Covered Pumpkins

Photo Credit:Pretty Life Girls

Use a cool and modern fabric to make these unique fabric covered pumpkins! You’ll love this easy, no carve idea made with Mod Podge.

Out of this World Jack-o-Lantern

Photo Credit:Allison Murray

This is a bit of a different way to create a galaxy pumpkin! You don't need any painting skills (it's very "loose"), and if you want to light it up, you can. Simply drill into the bottom and add LED Christmas lights!

Mickey & Minnie Mouse Pumpkins

Photo Credit:thesoccermomblog.com

Transform a dollar store foam pumpkin into an adorable Minnie or Mickey Mouse Pumpkin! You're going to love this simple Disney pumpkin decorating idea for Halloween!

DIY Matisse-Inspired Pumpkins

Photo Credit:ohsobeautifulpaper.com

Who says Halloween pumpkins have to be scary (or messy)? This post shares the how-to for these DIY Matisse-inspired pumpkins inspired by art and made with colorful vinyl!

DIY Unicorn Pumpkins with Batty Embellishments

Photo Credit:Aki Alltuna

I'm really loving that the horn for this sweet little unicorn is made with clay! That gives you a lot of flexibility to make this using any size gourd you like.

Spooky Day of the Dead Pumpkin

Photo Credit:plaidonline.com

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with this fun and easy no-carve pumpkin! Paint this fun skeleton face on your fall pumpkin for an added touch of character to your harvest decor.

Gumball Machine

Photo Credit:make-it-your-own.com

Purchase inexpensive tissue paper confetti dots at a party store, dollar store or online. Then cover your surface in "gumballs" using Mod Podge. Add a bucket for the base!

Stay Puft Pumpkin Man

Photo Credit:www.epbot.com

If you think about it, the mini white pumpkins are perfect for the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man's fabulous rolls. I've seen a few versions of this guy made from pumpkins, but I love this one's happy face!

Make A Black Cat Pumpkin for Halloween

Photo Credit:kidfriendlythingstodo.com

Set this kitty cat pumpkin on your porch for an adorable Halloween display. You can make it out of a few simple items including a broom and a velvet witch's hat.

Look Sharp with a DIY Cactus Pumpkin

Photo Credit:www.livinglavidaholoka.com

Your Halloween decor will be looking sharp this year when you make this adorable DIY Cactus Pumpkin! You don't need advanced painting skills for this project.

Hamburger Pumpkin Fall Decor

Photo Credit:www.shrimpsaladcircus.com

Skip the jack o' lantern this Halloween and carve up a cute hamburger pumpkin that you can put on display year after year since it's reusable!

Colorful and Bright

Photo Credit:megduerksen.typepad.com

Who says that pumpkins have to be decorated with orange and black only? This is a perfect example of how you can go wild with paint! I love these bright colors and eye catching designs.

DIY Tiny Terrazzo Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.ctrlcurate.com

Play with the terrazzo trend and get your home ready for Fall-oween with these DIY, modern terrazzo pumpkins.

Melted Crayon Pumpkin

Photo Credit:Stephanie Dirks

This is a very satisfying no carve pumpkin! If you've never melted crayons before, it looks striking on a white faux gourd.

Painted Party Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.handmadecharlotte.com

Get creative and play with color this autumn! Not only also these cute pumpkins painted so pretty, but I love their paper party hats.

Blue Porcelain Craft Pumpkin

Photo Credit:Lucy Atkins

Lucy said that for this pumpkin decorating project, she pushed herself outside her comfort - and I'm so glad she did! If you're not comfortable using paint pens, she also made a design that you can print out and Mod Podge on.

Glow In The Dark Poison Apple

Photo Credit:asthebunnyhops.com

You'll be surprised by just how easy it is to make this Disney inspired pumpkin! The best part is that it glows, and there are only a few supplies required.

DIY 90's Patterned Pumpkins

Photo Credit:akailochiclife.com

This project is great for those of you without a steady hand because it is essentially like putting stickers on a pumpkin. You just have to make the stickers first! These are colorful and oh-so-fun for Halloween.

No Carve Emoji Pumpkins

Photo Credit:cutefetti.com

Make emoji gourds using yellow spray paint and any faces you like! These are really easy for even kids to put together.

DIY No-Carve Harry Potter Pumpkins

Photo Credit:karenkavett.com

A little bit of vinyl and you can have the cutest Harry Potter pumpkins in the world! You'll get the Harry shown as well as a golden snitch and a few other fun options.

Tissue Paper Matisse Pumpkins

Photo Credit:Think.Make.Share.

I shared some Matisse pumpkins already, but these are made with tissue paper! Learn how to apply tissue paper to pumpkins with Mod Podge. So easy.

DIY Pastel Pumpkin Faces With a Template

Photo Credit:thehousethatlarsbuilt.com

These cute DIY painted pumpkin templates will make your Halloween porch decor so easy and clever this year.

Letterboard Pumpkin

Photo Credit:Kimberly West

Do you love letter boards? Me too! This is a cute way to use that idea on a pumpkin surface. And it's perfect for the saying of your choice.

Shine Bright Like Jack Skellington

Photo Credit:www.theresasmixednuts.com

My favorite things at Halloween are the things that glow in the dark! This Nightmare Before Christmas inspired pumpkin does just that.

Black and White Glam Pumpkin

Photo Credit:apumpkinandaprincess.com

Looking for something a little fancier for your Halloween decor? This glam pumpkin features rhinestones and a witch hat.

Buzz and Woody Toy Story Pumpkins

Photo Credit:asthebunnyhops.com

It doesn't matter if you're a Space Ranger or a cowboy - you'll have a friend in these Toy Story-inspired Buzz and Woody pumpkins!

My Little Pony

Photo Credit:onelittleproject.com

These no-carve My Little Pony pumpkins are SO EASY! All you do is paint the gourd, add the cute printable faces, and use a feather boa for the hair.

DIY Donut Pumpkins

Photo Credit:studiodiy.com

Kelly turned some mini pumpkins into frosting covered, sprinkle dipped pieces of goodness! These darling donut punkins make me smile.

Stained Glass Pumpkins

Photo Credit:matsutakeblog.blogspot.com

I've never seen a pumpkin that reminded me of a church, but these do. The stained glass is made with transparency firm. These are so cool!

Chalkboard Word Find Pumpkin

Photo Credit:thistlewoodfarms.com

Paint a pumpkin with chalkboard paint and add letters to create your own word find gourd! And of course, the chalk is erasable.

Marbled Indigo Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.aliceandlois.com

Do you have a thing for indigo? Decorate pumpkins with nail polish using a marbled effect! This is so simple, and so unique.

Duck Tape Pumpkin You Can Make in Minutes

Learn how to decorate a pumpkin with Duck Tape! This is the easiest method, and both kids and adults can do it. Perfect for Halloween decor!

Hello Kitty Pumpkin

Photo Credit:funmoneymom.com

No carve pumpkins are perfect for the little ones. They're going to love making this fun Hello Kitty pumpkin for Halloween!

Color Block Pink Pumpkins

Photo Credit:arinsolangeathome.com

Color blocked pink pumpkins are such a fun way to add color to your fall or Halloween decor.

Baby Yoda Pumpkin

Photo Credit:funmoneymom.com

This Baby Yoda pumpkin couldn't get much cuter, and your kids will love making this adorable no carve Halloween project!

DIY Gold Confetti Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.homeyohmy.com

Grab a roll of a gold washi tape and give this idea a go! All you have to do is cut the tape with scissors and you're ready to decorate.

DIY Football Pumpkins

Photo Credit:letsmingleblog.com

Looking for an easy and awesome way to decorate your pumpkins with a sports theme this year? It doesn't get more simple than these DIY football pumpkins!

No-Carve Pumpkin People

Photo Credit:prettyprovidence.com

This no-carve pumpkin idea is fun and easy way to decorate your porch for fall and Halloween! All you need are craft pumpkins, hot glue, and some inexpensive accessories.

Hedgehog Pumpkins

Photo Credit:Ashley Hackshaw

Make these cute no-carve hedgehog pumpkins - a simple easy way to decorate your gourds to use as table or porch decor!

Neon Paint Dipped Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.anightowlblog.com

An easy, fun and modern take on the pumpkin - neon dipped! This is a very simple decorating technique that anyone can master.

DIY Leopard Print Pumpkin

Photo Credit:authenticallyemmie.com

Tutorial for how to make a DIY leopard print pumpkin without any painting required. The use of temporary tattoo paper makes for an easy and fun autumn project.

Coastal Beach Inspired Pumpkins

These sand covered pumpkins are EASY to make and perfect for adding to a coastal fall decor display! So simple that even kids can help.

Pincushion Pumpkin

Photo Credit:www.professorpincushion.com

A fun alternative to carving, this Halloween pumpkin looks like a pincushion and is perfect for anyone who loves sewing.

DIY Steampunk Pumpkin

Photo Credit:Kelly Rowe

Create a fun DIY steampunk pumpkin with random hardware! This is a great kids' craft too, and kids will love creating their own unique faces.

Give Thanks Pumpkins

Photo Credit:simpleasthatblog.com

These pretty pumpkins have a soft, painted look! I love that you can keep them up from fall through Thanksgiving.

No Carve Minion Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.craftymorning.com

Make no-carve minion pumpkins from the movie Despicable Me! They are so fun to paint, and are great for a Halloween porch decoration.

DIY Nautical Pumpkin

This DIY nautical pumpkin uses Mod Podge and fabric to turn a gourd into fantastic fall decor! Learn how easy it is to make here.

DIY Fresh Floral Moon Pumpkin

Photo Credit:themerrythought.com

The fresh flowers take this unique pumpkin from spooky to sweet! Itwould also be a perfect centerpiece for your Halloween table spread if you’re planning a get together this year.

Disney’s Dumbo Pumpkin

Photo Credit:asthebunnyhops.com

Dumbo was a movie I loved growing up! This pumpkin is inspired by our favorite elephant, and I love the ruffled collar and the tiny hat.

DIY Mud Cloth Pumpkins

Photo Credit:www.homeyohmy.com

Pumpkins are a great low commitment way to try out trends or designs for the season, and this particular project was inspired by mud cloth!

House Number Pumpkin with Glittery Flair

Glitter up a funkin to make this house number pumpkin! So easy to do with Mod Podge – customize with your favorite glitter color.

How to Decorate a Pumpkin with Confetti

If you are looking for simple no carve ideas, try to decorate a pumpkin with confetti and Mod Podge. So easy even a kid could do it!

No-Carve Pizza Pumpkins

Photo Credit:Amy Buchanan

If you’re looking for cute, no-carve Halloween pumpkin ideas that you can do with kids, check out these adorable pizza pumpkins. Paint on the sauce and use yarn and craft foam to add your favorite toppings.

Colorful Harlequin Pumpkins Painted for Halloween

Photo Credit:Steve Carrell

These awesome harlequin painted pumpkins are so easy to make – the perfect last minute DIY project for your Halloween or Thanksgiving decor.

Pumpkin Decorating for Kids

This is one of the coolest pumpkin decorating ideas for kids you'll find! It's easy to do with Mod Podge and confetti.

DIY Pumpkin Decor

Learn how to make these pumpkin decorations with chalk paint, Mod Podge, and diamond dust!

Day of the Dead Pumpkin Craft

Are you ready for a cool Day of the Dead pumpkin craft you can make in a matter of minutes? You can customize this project with any napkins you like.

If you enjoyed these fall and Halloween pumpkins, I’d love for you to check out these other posts:

Dollar Tree Halloween Crafts You’ll Have to Try
30+ Fun Halloween Paper Plate Crafts for Kids
Wood Halloween Crafts You Need For Spooky Decor
Halloween Crafts for Kids: 50 Spooky Projects!
Halloween Garlands: Festive DIYs for Party or Decor!