38 Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas to Try This Fall
These painted gourds are true masterpieces.
Is there anything better than when pumpkin season finally arrives? And if you're as excited as we are about getting cracking on pumpkin crafts, you might want to try something new in addition to your usual carved jack-o'-lanterns (which, might we add, are quite messy). It turns out that traditional carving is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cute pumpkin designs.
This year, grab a paintbrush and get ready to think outside the box with our best pumpkin painting ideas. Whether you're hoping to upgrade your fall porch décor, decorate for an upcoming Halloween party, or simply partake in a creative Halloween craft to get in the spirit of the season, you'll find something here that fits the bill. Watch Ree's beloved floral patterns come to life on a series of sophisticated-looking pumpkins, or opt for something guaranteed to make you smile, like a pumpkin painted to look like an ice cream cone or sprinkle doughnut.
Transform a traditional orange pumpkin with some stencils or go for black or white pumpkin décor ideas for a more modern twist. You can use real or faux pumpkins with most of these ideas, too, since you don't have to worry about slicing into them. And whatever you choose, remember you can't go wrong if you're having fun. Besides, your pumpkin carving kit deserves a night off!
Painted Botanical Pumpkin
Floral prints look great on pretty much everything—including fall pumpkins! Utilize craft paint and a few leaf-and-flower stencils to recreate one of these gorgeous, nature-inspired pumpkins. Just tape your stencils to an all-white pumpkin, grab a paintbrush, and dab on the paint.
Painted Floral Band Pumpkin
Use painter's tape to outline one thick horizontal stripe or multiple vertical stripes on your pumpkin. Next, tape floral stencils to those areas, and use craft paint to fill in the spaces.
Painted Floral Monogram Pumpkin
A monogrammed gourd has so many uses: You can spell out the first initials of your family members, display your house number, or even write a short word, like "BOO!" To get started, you'll need some painter's tape, flower stencils, a foam pouncer, and craft paint. Draw thick block letters on each pumpkin, then outline each with painter's tape. Next, tape the stencils inside the letters and use your pouncer to dab paint on top. Let dry, then remove the tape to unveil your masterpiece.
Painted Floral Pumpkin
For this fun idea, you'll want to think of your pumpkin as a blank canvas. Paint flowers freehand, continuing the pattern on a few different gourds for a cohesive design.
Painted Ombré Flower Pumpkin
Create these ombré pumpkins using one large flower stencil and some craft paint. Dab the lightest paint on the center of the flower using a foam pouncer, then gradually darken the hues as you move toward the outer edge of the stencil, blending as you go.
Painted Colorful Vine Pumpkin
It's nice to have a variety of stencils on hand as you begin this colorful craft. Start by painting one long, looping vine all around the pumpkin. Next, use the stencils to extend the design outwards with flowers and leaves.
Abstract Faces Painted Pumpkins
Forgo traditional Halloween decor and try one of these modern designs instead.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Vintage Trailer Pumpkin
You might just want to keep this vintage-inspired pink trailer pumpkin around all year long. Even Barbie would want to live in there!
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Painted Ice Cream Cone Pumpkin
Showcase your favorite ice cream flavor in pumpkin form with these DIY scoops. Mint chocolate chip, pictured here, is just one idea!
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
Faux Concrete Pumpkin
How fun is this faux pumpkin? All you need is a stone spray paint to create a concrete texture. Not only will the color stand out but so will the technique.
Get the tutorial at Average But Inspired.
Mini Painted Pumpkin Unicorns
These unicorn pumpkins will delight little kids! A flower corn and horn add even more whimsy.
Get the tutorial at Posh Little Designs.
Rainbow Walkway Painted Pumpkins
What's better than a pumpkin-covered front porch? A rainbow pumpkin-covered porch. The technicolor twist makes it that much more magical.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Ombre Paint Drip Pumpkins
Though we might love the combination of black and orange, sometimes that feels overdone. Try different shades of purple instead! First paint pumpkins bronze for a shimmery base and then drip purple and white for contrast over the top for a unique look.
Get the tutorial at Mad in Crafts.
Bloody Mini Pumpkins
Creepy, but yet somehow still cute, these mini pumpkins are made in two simple steps. First paint your pumpkins white and then drip red paint down the center. That's it!
Get the tutorial at Almost Makes Perfect.
Pretty Painted Pumpkins
Not that you need an excuse to break out the glitter paint, but we're about to give you one. We love everything about these pretty pumpkins: the fun color choices, the added sparkle, and of course, the added toppers.
Get the tutorial at Landeelu.
Chalkboard Pumpkins
If you need a very kid friendly idea, opt for chalkboard painted pumpkins. You can buy reusable pre-made pumpkins and let the kids decorate however they wish. Or you can DIY your own chalkboard painted pumpkin and then let them go for it.
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.
Chippy Paint Pumpkin
If you're more into the modern, minimalist look, make chippy paint pumpkins! Different tones of white give a subtle yet spectacular look that will go with practically every color of décor you already have in your house.
Get the tutorial at Tidbits.
Paint Resist Pumpkins
Got toddlers? They'll love to help make this paint resist technique. Your job is to add their name with sticker paper onto the pumpkin. Their job is to paint whatever they want on top. And after it dries, simply peel off the stickers to reveal their name.
Get the tutorial at I Heart Arts N Crafts.
Monstera Leaf Pumpkin
Create a tropical pumpkin collection to brighten up your fall decor! Rich pastel paints bring a pop of color to this pretty monstera leaf pattern.
Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts.
Gold Leaf Painted Pumpkin
Simple yet elegant, a gold leaf pumpkin is easy to paint freehand. Or, you can grab a stencil if you're feeling unsure. Either way, it is a quick and easy way to add a fun decoration to your home.
Get the tutorial at Sustain My Craft Habit.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
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