One of the biggest symbols of Halloween is the jack-o-lantern. But carving a pumpkin can not only be time-consuming but messy. And if you are working from a pattern, if it moves your whole design could be off. A less complicated and cleaner alternative is the no carve pumpkin. But where do you even begin? We have gathered some of the most creative no carve pumpkin options out there. So pull out your leftover craft supplies and go to town.

1. Puffy Paint Pumpkin

A great option if you are looking to create a henna like tattoo on your pumpkin or simply use an easy applicator for your paint.

Protip: Don’t squeeze out too much at one time or the paint may begin to slide down the pumpkin.

2. Tissue Paper

All you’ll need for this design is some tissue paper, scissors, a paint brush, and some Mod Podge in your choice of finish. For the designs in the pictures above we used a glossy finish. Simply cut out the shapes that you want and place them on the pumpkin in the desired spot and cover with Mod Podge to hold in place.

Protip: For the small circles simply use a hole puncher on tissue paper to get small perfect circles.

3. Painted Donuts

Don’t have the space for a large pumpkin? Small white pumpkins are a great way to have that fall feel without taking up too much space. Choose a color for your icing and paint it on the top third of your pumpkin. Next choose your sprinkle colors and use a thin brush to create the small streaks on the pumpkin.

Protip: Wipe off white pumpkins to remove any lingering dirt and achieve that bright white color. Also be sure to let your base color dry before painting on sprinkles.

4. Baby Pumpkins

These pumpkins work really well with smaller to medium sized pumpkins. Take a paint brush or sharpie and paint eyes and a nose onto your pumpkin. Next cut the rubber end of a pacifier off so that it will lay flat against the pumpkin. Use super glue to attach the pacifier to the pumpkin. Finally take ribbon and tie it on to the stem of your pumpkin to make a nice bow.

Protip: To get that shiny look you can use a spray varnish. But be sure to do this after you attach the pacifier or it will not stick to the pumpkin.

5. Happy Fall Pumpkin

This is probably the easiest pumpkin ever. Clean the pumpkin and then take either a Sharpie or a paint marker and draw any design that you want. Once you are finished brush over a thin layer of glossy Mod Podge to achieve the shiny look.

Protip: Pinterest is a great place to gather inspiration if you aren’t sure what to draw on your pumpkin.

6. Rainbow Crayon Pumpkin

 

Of the pumpkins on the list, this one is the most difficult. You’ll need a white pumpkin, crayons in your choice of colors, glue, and a heat gun or hair dryer. If you are doing the project inside you might want to consider laying down a trash bag to protect your table top. First be sure to clean your white pumpkin to remove all the dirt leaving you with a crisp white canvas. Next glue your crayons in to the top of your pumpkin. Give it a few minutes for your glue to dry. It does not need to be completely dry just enough to keep the crayons in place. Then use your hair dryer or heat gun to melt the wax down the side of the pumpkin.

If you are having trouble with getting the wax to spread try moving your dryer so the air is going up the side of the pumpkin from the bottom. It sounds counterproductive but it helps to spread the wax more evenly.Focus the heat on only one color at a time. This will help prevent the wax from mixing and creating a brown mess. Once the crayons are completely melted let them cool and harden again. Once the wax is hardened you can proudly display your pumpkin!

Protip: If you don’t like how the waxed formed on your pumpkin, or if it ran together you can always scrape off the wax and try again.

With these designs you are sure to be the envy of the neighborhood without having to pick up a single carving tool. If you test any out we would love to see your creations. Pictures can be shared with us on our Facebook or Twitter accounts. Happy crafting!