Looking for a no carve pumpkins idea? With Halloween just around the corner, some of us want something a little more chic than the average orange carved pumpkin (!); I thought I’d share my method for a simple decoupage pumpkin.
These do it yourself pumpkin decorations are so simple to make — and look really beautiful.
Mix them up with blue-green and ghost pumpkins — and pop them on a windowsill or fireplace — and you’ve got gorgeous and pretty autumn decor for the home.
A far cry from regular orange and black! And a great alternative to carved pumpkins.
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What Can I Use to Decorate a Pumpkin Without Carving?
I’ve seen loads of lovely ways to decorate a pumpkin without carving. Painted pumpkins… gold leafed pumpkins — and even pumpkins that are encrusted with gems or adorned with flowers.
Pinterest and Instagram are full of fabulous, creative ideas for no carve pumpkins. Get yourself down to the pumpkin farm (or the supermarket) and get some gorgeous gourds so you can get creative!
My Favourite Do It Yourself Pumpkin Decorations
Simple decoupage pumpkins are by far my favourite kind of no carve pumpkins.
Not only do they look fabulous but decoupage is such a lovely, easy craft.
It’s a very satisfying way to spend an afternoon — plus you can match the pumpkins to your decor — and it’s a relatively inexpensive make.
As well as a pumpkin, you need some left over paint.
I like eggshell because if I make a mistake, the napkin and glue can be washed off, without the paint going with it!
You also need some pretty paper napkins — mine came from IKEA and are less than £1.50 for a pack of 30.
And finally, some glue to stick the napkins to the pumpkin.
Will Mod Podge Stick to a Pumpkin?
The quick answer to that is YES!
If you ever wondered ‘can you Mod Podge real pumpkins?’ I’m delighted to confirm that you can! And not only Mod Podge — regular PVA glue also works really well.
I like PVA for a shiny finish (as it’s cheaper!) and the Mod Modge matt for a love flat, matt surface.
How Long Does it Take for Mod Podge to Dry on a Pumpkin?
A decoupage pumpkin usually take just an hour until it’s touch dry; but to make sure the surface has ‘cured’ and there is a lovely hard finish, it’s wise to leave them for a full 24 hours.
If you’re planning to use your pumpkins outside, use the Mod Podge Outdoor glue.
It’s a great way of protecting no carve pumpkins and other craft projects that are be left outdoors; as it will stand up to the elements.
How To Mod Podge Pumpkins With Napkins
To make a simple decoupage pumpkin you will need:
A pumpkin
Paint (emulsion or eggshell work really well)
Some pretty paper napkins
Mod Podge or PVA Glue
Scissors
A paint brush
Method:
- Paint the pumpkin – leave to dry. Give it a second coat if needs be.
- Cut shapes from your napkin
- Peel the printed top layer away from the plain bottom.
- Paint a layer of glue onto the pumpkin
- Then stick your napkin shape on to the surface.
- Gently paint a layer of glue over the top
- Leave to dry.
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Materials
- A pumpkin
- Paint (emulsion or eggshell work really well)
- Some pretty paper napkins
- Mod Podge or PVA Glue
Notes
These decoupage pumpkins usually take just an hour until they’re touch dry, but to make sure the surface has ‘cured’ and there is a lovely hard finish, it’s best to leave them for 24 hours.
Use Mod Podge Outdoor glue if you’re planning to use your pumpkins outside.
And if you’d prefer to see a moving step by step tutorial for this no carve pumpkin idea, I have created a YouTube short, showing how I make a decoupage pumpkin.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
