5 Unique Ways to Decorate Perfect Fall Pumpkins

We’ve reached that time of year, folks; that is, the perfect time for your family to take a trip to the pumpkin patch and return with a trunk full of pumpkins. “What to do with them now?” you think to yourself. Rather than playing it safe by lining your porch with perfect, unblemished, untouched pumpkins, why not try one (or all!) of the following creative ideas for turning plain orange pumpkins into works of art? If you’ve been looking for projects that will spark joy in each of the members of your family, look no further than the following pumpkin decorating ideas!

1. Classic Jack O’Lanterns

Okay, you caught us – jack o’lanterns aren’t exactly novel or creative by today’s standards. However, pumpkin carving is a timeless activity for good reason. From intricate portraits and patterns to silly faces designed to delight the young and young-at-heart alike, there are infinite options available to ensure your pumpkin pleases at least a few people in the crowd.

2. Painted Minis

It is our opinion that miniature pumpkins don’t get enough credit in the world of Halloween decor. They were meant to be so much more than the orange accent in a carefully-arranged centerpiece of gourds. Mini pumpkins can also be a great deal cheaper than their plump, full-sized counterparts. If you aren’t quite convinced about the hype, pick up a half dozen mini pumpkins and let your kids go wild with paint, glitter, sequins, and any other materials you already own – we think you’ll be wowed by the decorative results!

3. Pumpkins as Canvases

If you want to test yourself or your kids for untapped artistic talent, pumpkin painting is a great, low-stakes way to start! There’s just something about the smooth, cool, blank orange canvas that brings out the Picasso in amateur pumpkin painters. If you’re feeling bold, you might even decide to make a mixed media work of art; burlap, lace, and leaves can add depth and texture to your masterpiece.

4. Melted Crayon Art

Melting crayons with a hair dryer has been all the rage on Pinterest craft boards, so why not finally give it a try? The rainbow look is popular, but this project can also be diversified by focusing on a variety of different color schemes. Kids will have fun choosing the colors, and as an added bonus, unwrapping the crayons is excellent fine motor practice for kids who aren’t always given enough opportunities to work with their hands!

5. Pumpkin Poetry

We don’t typically think of pumpkins as messengers, but this project involves adorning your pumpkins with creative catchphrases. The idea is a beautiful spin-off of the kindness rocks movement that has been making its way across the country. Words can be incredibly powerful, and we can harness that power by using pumpkins to convey humorous, uplifting, or impactful messages.

This year, we challenge you to make your annual trip to the pumpkin patch more meaningful than ever before by trying something new when it comes time to display your orange beauties. Pumpkin patch selfies are cool, but it’s what you do with your bounty afterwards that has the true potential to bring you together. After all, families who create together, stay together!