Grouchy Ladybug Pumpkin from abcsofliteracy.com: This ladybug pumpkin is so stinkin’ cute! We love the facial expression on this guy. It would look great front and center on your porch or in the garden, wouldn’t it?
DIY Pumpkin Painting Ideas
Wait! Don’t toss your pumpkins! If you haven’t carved them, they are the perfect candidates for our DIY pumpkin painting ideas. These are so budget friendly and super cute and easy, so be sure to put those leftover pumpkins to great use with these fun pumpkin DIY projects.
Aren’t they cute? I can’t wait to show you how to do these three DIY pumpkin painting ideas!
Drip Painted Pumpkin
- pumpkin
- paint (spray isn’t the best, but chalk or other would be great)
- wax paper
- small bottled paint, such as acrylic
- Cover your surface with wax paper.
- Wrap your stem in masking tape or in some other fashion if you don’t want it painted.
- Paint your pumpkin one solid color (or you can choose to leave it orange).
- Go around the top of the pumpkin about 1/4″ from the stem, and pour paint. You may have to vary the height and angle depending on your pumpkin, but your goal is to have the paint flow down the side of the pumpkin.
- Layer paint color upon paint color to your liking to create a marbled effect.
- Set your pumpkin on a stable surface with waxed paper underneath. You will want to move the pumpkin every once in a while because paint will pool at the bottom of the pumpkin as it dries.
- Put it on your mantle for all to see!
So cute! Here is the second of our DIY pumpkin painting ideas.
Pushpin House Number Pumpkin
- pumpkin
- paint
- wax paper
- marker
- pearl top pins
- Base coat your pumpkin in a color of your choosing.
- Use the marker to mark out what you’d like and also it’s thickness – house number, initial… etc.
- Push the pins into the pumpkin where you would like for your number(s) or letter(s) to be. The pins go in easily and are very forgiving if you want to take one out and place it somewhere else.
- Place on your porch and enjoy!
Painted Pumpkin Ideas for Kids
Your children will love getting creative with these DIY projects this fall season! Painting pumpkins is a fun and easy way to add a personalized touch to your Halloween decorations. Whether you’re looking for something spooky or something fun and whimsical, there are endless possibilities when it comes to painted pumpkin ideas for the fall season.
One of the best things about painted pumpkins is that you don’t need to be an artist to create something special for your doorstep. Your kids can get creative and come up with their own designs.
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The Best Types of Paint for Pumpkins
When it comes to painting pumpkins, there are several paint options available. Each type of paint has its own unique properties and can be used to achieve different effects. In this section, you’ll learn the most popular types of paint for pumpkins.
Acrylic paint is probably the most popular choice for painting pumpkins. It’s easy to find, comes in hundreds of colors, and dries quickly. Acrylic paint is water-resistant and won’t wash away if your pumpkin gets wet. Acrylic paint is also perfect for creating detailed designs and patterns on your pumpkin.
Spray Paint
Spray paint is another popular option for painting pumpkins. It’s quick and easy to apply and can be used to create a smooth, even finish on your pumpkins. Spray paint is perfect for your base coat on your pumpkin.
Glow in the dark paint is a fun option for painting pumpkins. If you are ready to have some serious fun with Halloween decor this glow in the dark paint is awesome! Be sure to charge the paint with a bright light before displaying your pumpkin in the dark.
Preparation for Painting Pumpkins
Before you start painting your pumpkin, make sure that your pumpkin is ready for painting. Choose the Right Pumpkin, Clean the Pumpkin, and Sketch Your Design.
Creative Designs for Halloween
Guide to Painting Pumpkins
Step 1: Choose Your Pumpkins
Have fun and choose pumpkins that are different sizes and shapes to create a variety of unique painted pumpkins.
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
Cover your painting area with newspaper to protect it from paint spills. Place all the supplies you need, such as paint, brushes, and stencils, within reach for the kids.
Wipe your pumpkins clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Make sure the pumpkins are dried completely before painting.
Step 4: Prime Your Pumpkins
To help the paint last and stay on, prime your pumpkins with a layer of white paint. This will also help to cover any imperfections on the pumpkin’s surface. Allow your primer to dry completely before painting.
Step 5: Paint Your Pumpkins
Now it’s time to get creative and paint your pumpkins! You can use different types of paints, but a few favorites are acrylic paint, spray paint, or chalk paint. You can also use stencils or tape to create clean lines and shapes.
Step 6: Add Details
Once the base coat is dry, you can start adding all of your details to your painted pumpkins. You can also use glitter, sequins, or other embellishments to add sparkle and shine.
Step 7: Seal Your Pumpkins
To protect your painted pumpkins from the elements, it’s best to seal them with a clear acrylic spray. This will give them a glossy finish and make the colors pop.
If you have younger children, adding a pumpkin washing station is a great hands on activity.
Painted Pumpkin Ideas
If you want to take your pumpkin decorating game to the next level, consider trying some innovative painted pumpkin ideas.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Character Inspired Pumpkins
One fun way to decorate pumpkins is to paint them to look like your favorite characters from movies, TV shows, or books. You can use stencils or freehand your designs, depending on your skill level. Here are a few character-inspired pumpkin ideas to try:
- Harry Potter: Paint your pumpkin to look like Harry, Hermione, or Ron, complete with glasses, wands, and Hogwarts colored scarves.
- Minions: Paint your pumpkin yellow and add goggles, overalls, and a goofy smile to create a minion pumpkin.
- Disney Princesses: Paint your pumpkin to look like Cinderella, Belle, or Ariel, complete with their signature dresses and hairstyles.
Patterned Pumpkins
If you want to create more of a cool design, consider painting your pumpkin with a pattern. You can use painter’s tape or stencils to create straight lines and shapes.
Here are a few patterned pumpkin ideas to try:
- Polka Dots: Use a round sponge to dab paint onto your pumpkin in a polka dot pattern.
- Chevron: Use painter’s tape to create a chevron pattern on your pumpkin, then paint over it.
- Stripes: Use painter’s tape to create stripes on your pumpkin, then paint over it.
Abstract Art Pumpkins
If you’re feeling really creative, try painting your pumpkin with an abstract design. You can use bold colors and brush strokes to create a unique and eye-catching pumpkin that everyone will love.
Here are a few abstract art pumpkin ideas to try:
- Color Block: Paint your pumpkin with large blocks of color, using tape to create clean lines.
- Splatter Paint: Dip a paintbrush into different colors of paint and splatter it onto your pumpkin for a Jackson Pollock-inspired look.
- Geometric Shapes: Use tape to create different geometric shapes on your pumpkin, then fill them in with paint.
With these awesome painted pumpkin ideas, you can create the best DIY Halloween decoration. Whether you’re a beginner or you have experience with painting pumpkins, there’s a new painted pumpkin idea out there for you.
PAINT MARKERS
Some of my favorite markers for Pumpkin painting or just anything that requires precision and color =] Most of the tutorials I gathered require either pen markers or just craft paint, so I figured I would list what my to-go paint markers are below.
MY FAVORITE MARKERS
PUMPKIN DECORATION TUTORIALS
I know that carving pumpkins can not only get super messy but also very frustrating! This is why I compiled a list of 21+ tutorials and inspiration for you to try hassle-free no-carving pumpkin decorating this year!
1 DIY Brushstroke Pumpkin: These are so adorable and super simple to make, follow the step-by-step tutorial that Caitlin and Amanda from Themerrythought.com put together.
2 DIY Donut Pumpkin: Not only absolutely adorable but also so easy to make! check out the full tutorial to make these lovely donut pumpkins from Kelly of Studio DIY.
3 Mud Cloth Pumpkin: So simple and modern, just grab a sharpie paint marker and go get the full tutorial from the HomeYohMy blog by Amy Kim.
4 DIY Flower pumpkin: While this tutorial does not involve only paint, I had to share how beautiful this floral pumpkin by Caitlin and Manda from the themerrythought.com blog.
5 DIY Mattise Inspired Pumpkins: I am so obsessed with these pumpkins, and the best part is that these are shapes that you can cut with either scissors of your cutting machine and use vinyl for the full-cover bright colors! Get the tutorial at Oh So Beautiful Paper.
6 Gingham Painted Pumpkin Tutorial: If you are as obsessed and I am with Buffalo Plaid I know you will want to make a pumpkin just like this one shared by Jennifer from the Dimples and Tangles blog. So check out her step by step tutorial and gingham away!
7 DIY gold geo pumpkins: Just grab a gold marker and check this tutorial to make this super simple and stunning geometric pumpkins by Chelsea from lovelyindeed.com
8 Abstract Art Painted Pumpkins: Check out this adorable and super modern painted pumpkins tutorial by Kara from A Kailo Chic Life.
9 Gilded DIY Pumpkin: Super cute and minimal to fit any decor, these pumpkins by from Yvonne Stonegableblog.com are a must!
10 Magnolia pumpkin: In this tutorial, Kelli and Kristi from Lolly Jane share how they made this super cute pumpkin embellished with some magnolia flowers and a cute “hello” lettering with a gold metallic pen.
11 Pantone Painted Punkins: If you are creative, chances are you are also obsessed with colors, and the language of colors is decoded with Pantones, so making some pumpkins mimicking the Pantone chips just make me oh so giddy!
12 Blue Porcelain Pumpkin: How adorable is this blue porcelain pumpkin made by Lucy from craftberrybush.com, she even has the template so you can re-create this cutie.
13 DIY Pun-kins: Who doesn’t love a good pun? Kelly from Studio DIY took it to a whole new level with this set of super funny puns that you can put on your pumpkins, so adorable! Check the full post at Studio DIY.
14 Rifle Paper & Co Inspired pumpkins: I am such a fan of florals and of course Rifle Paper & Co. So I had to share this post by Karen from the For all things pretty blog.
15 DIY Gold Splatter Pumpkins: So messy to make (not) because those splatters are actually dots made with a gold marker! They are just so lovely to look at! Take a look at the tutorial by Kara from a Kailo Chic Life.
16 Pastel marbled Pumpkins: How magical-looking are these pumpkins created by dipping them in water in paint! Check out the tutorial by Lexy at theproperblog.com
17 DIY Tattoed Pumpkins: I just love this take on embellished pumpkins using tattoo paper, it brings a whole new set of possibilities! Check out the post by Lexy at the theproperblog.com
18 Marbled Indigo Pumpkins: Check out this step by step tutorial to make these gorgeous indigo marbles pumpkins from the Alice & Lois blog.
19 DIY Geometric Pumpkin: I love the super fun use of vinyl scraps that Haeley from Design Improvised shared with this super cute geometric Pumpkin, check how she made it in her post!
20 DIY Watercolor pumpkins: These are just so cool and the color combination is endless, I love the messy look! If you do too, check out the tutorial by Brittni of the Paper n Stitch blog.
21 DIY Watercolor pumpkins: How fun and colorful are these lovely pumpkins! If you want to create your own check out the tutorial by Rachel from Lines Across.
PUMPKIN INSPIRATION
And of course, I could not leave behind some inspiration from Instagram that will make you want to start customizing and painting your pumpkins right away! Check out the links in the descriptions for the original IG post and Happy Pumpkin Season!
I hope you were inspired by this compilation and don’t forget to pin this post if you want to save it for later!
Happy pumpkin decorating!
Pinterest images
Posted on Last updated: Dec 27, 2020
Hola! Joy Kelley here, I am a full-time lettering artist with a passion for teaching and sharing my love for Calligraphy, lettering, crafts and all things creative! I am a self-taught English speaker and I started this blog as a way to improve in my language journey. Welcome to my corner of the web.
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