Looking for the most creative no carve pumpkin decorating contest ideas? Take a look at these 30+ insanely cute and unique pumpkin painting ideas that will guarantee compliments.
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Autumn is quickly approaching us. Which means it’s time for all things pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and lots of fun Fall activities. One of my favorite things to do when the weather starts to get cooler is to hold a pumpkin decorating contest.
My friends and I actually take turns holding sleepovers and we just spend the entire night painting pumpkins. The winner usually gets a $100 gift card to their choice of store. Anyway, I love decorating pumpkins because not only is it super fun, but it’s also a great way to spend some quality time with my friends and family.
I do also really enjoy carving pumpkins but that just takes way too much of my time and it never turns out the way I want it. Which is why in the last few years, I’ve switched over to painting my pumpkins instead. The great thing about them is, that they last forever (if you use plastic pumpkins), and you can get as creative as you’d like.
If you’ve been searching for some fabulous pumpkin painting ideas, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve gathered over 30 of the cutest and most creative no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas that will guarantee you an award.
From simple ghost ideas, floral drawings, and cheeseburger ideas, to creative movie characters, you will definitely find one you love!
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PUMPKIN PAINTING IDEAS
1. SIMPLE PUMPKIN DESIGN
How cute are these? If you are looking for something that is super easy but still very cute and aesthetic, then you need to try this out.
2. PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE
Fall is about pumpkin-spiced everything. So, recreating this design is a no-brainer. This is actually easier to make than you think.
First, paint half of the pumpkin white and glue on the Starbucks logo. Then just add some cotton rounds on top and a green straw made out of a paper towel roll.
Don’t forget to add the cardboard handle for the cup.
3. PUMPKIN GHOSTS
Pumpkin and ghosts? it’s obviously a good match and very easy to recreate. You’ll just need white and black acrylic paint along with a paintbrush.
You can also paint the pumpkin in another color to make the ghosts stand out more.
4. NEUTRAL PUMPKIN PAINTING
For those of you who don’t like bright colors or just want something simple that goes with your home decor, try out this neutral pumpkin painting idea.
First paint the pumpkin in a beige or light brown color. Then just draw on some ghosts using white and black paint.
5. COW PUMPKIN
I have never seen a painted cow look so adorable. Use black, white, and light brown acrylic paints to recreate this.
You can actually get the kids involved with this as well because it’s fairly easy to make.
6. BOO PAINTING IDEA
What says it’s almost Halloween than a decorated pumpkin with the word “BOO” on it in big, bold, letters?
Paint the entire pumpkin pink first and make a medium-sized circle in white like above. Then, paint the word “boo” and make it look squiggly by moving the brush around a bit.
Add some other decor like bats, small stars, and dots here and there.
7. HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Wish everyone a happy Halloween with this gorgeous painted pumpkin. Using the color pink, paint the entire pumpkin.
Add “Happy Halloween” banners using black paint and incorporate some ghosts and scary spiders as well.
8. SPA DAY PUMPKIN
Even Mrs. Pumpkin needs a spa day every once in a while. Use light green paint for the mask and black for the eyelashes.
You can also paint on pink lips or just glue on a pair of lip masks instead. Top it off with a skincare headband and you’re done!
9. CHEESEBURGER PUMPKIN
As someone who doesn’t even like burgers, this sure does look good. All you need to do to recreate this is paint the “ingredients” all around. Make sure it’s even so it doesn’t look weird.
Use light brown or beige paint to add on some sesame seeds on top to complete the look.
10. BRIGHT FLOWERS
I know floral designs are most popular during spring but, they look just as good in autumn as well. You can use as many different colors as you want to paint on the flowers.
I suggest you include the colors red, pink, and blue because they pop out more. You can also paint the pumpkin in a lighter shade to make the designs stand out.
11. HOCUS POCUS
Grab your purple and black paint to recreate this stunning Hocus Pocus-inspired pumpkin. First, paint the entire pumpkin purple and write Hocus Pocus in the middle.
Fill up the empty space by painting on some spiders, spiderwebs, and ghosts.
12. PAINTED SKULL PUMPKIN
Halloween is not complete without at least one scary skull decor. You’ll need black and white paint for this.
Hold a contest with your friends and family and see who is best.
13. CORALINE PUMPKIN
One of my friends wanted to recreate a Coraline-inspired pumpkin last year but we couldn’t find any inspo for it. Thankfully, after many hours on Pinterest, we finally found one this year.
You’ll need blue, black, cream, red, white, and yellow acrylic paints to recreate this. You’ll definitely garner quite a bit of attention with this pumpkin.
14. MINION PUMPKIN
Who doesn’t love the minions? It’s sure to be hit this year and every year after. Paint the entire pumpkin with yellow paint and make its eye using black, brown, grey, and white acrylic paints.
Then finish it off by painting on their famous blue overalls.
15. PUMPKIN HOT TUB WITH SKELETON
First cut off a medium-sized hole on the top and carve out the insides. You can also use a plastic pumpkin instead if you don’t want to go through the trouble of carving.
Then, paint the whole pumpkin in a creamy beige color and place blue plastic bags inside to create the water. Place your bougie skeleton inside and a mini cloth on the side for the towel.
You’ll definitely be winning the contest with this idea.
16. HARRY POTTER PUMPKIN
Why does this actually look like Harry Potter even without the lips? LOL! Anyway, use black paint for the hair and green for the eyes.
Then use yellow and red acrylic paints for the tie. This is actually quite simple and easy to recreate.
17. PINK SLIME SKULL PUMPKIN
Put a fun twist to the classic skull design and make it into pink slime instead. You can get the little ones involved with this one since it’s very easy and simple.
You can first use black paint to make the outlines and just fill it in with whatever color you want.
18. SHAWTY A LIL BATTY
Everyone and their mother knows this song so you already know it’s gonna be well loved! You literally just need black and white acrylic paints and a small paintbrush.
Write down the lyrics “shawty a lil batty” on one and “she my lil boo thang” on the next. Add a little spookiness by painting ghosts and bats on each one.
19. DUNKIN DONUTS PUMPKIN
I love some Dunkin Donuts coffee in the morning. Frankly speaking, my day does not start without it. This Dunkin Donuts-inspired pumpkin will definitely be going on my top three list.
Use white paint for the mid-section and pink and orange for their logo. Grab two mini pumpkins and paint them pink.
Add colorful dots on top to make the sprinkles and ta-da! You have a cute and creative painted pumpkin.
20. COLORFUL GHOSTS
Looking for last-minute pumpkin painting ideas? Well, look no further because I’ve found one that is incredibly cute and will take less than 30 minutes to recreate.
Grab your pumpkin and the colors you want to use. Then just paint on mini colorful ghosts using lots of bright colors to make it stand out.
21. MONSTERS INC
This is another super cute and simple painted pumpkin idea. If you’ve been searching for something easy enough for the kiddos, this is a great option.
You’ll need green, blue, black, and white paint to recreate this monsters inc inspired pumpkin.
22. HONEYCOMB PUMPKIN
How insanely cute is this? Grab your beige, brown, black, white, and yellow acrylic paints and start painting. This would look amazing by your entry door with a few potted plants next to it.
23. GHOSTBUSTERS PUMPKIN
Are you a fan of Ghostbusters? If so, you have to recreate this amazing pumpkin painting idea. Use green, white, and red acrylic paints to make the logo.
You can use plastic pumpkins for this instead of the real ones because they will last longer.
24. DAPHNE PUMPKIN
Talk about talent! Daphne is one of my favorite Scooby Doo characters and if I could recreate this, I definitely would!
If you’re a pro or are looking for a challenge, give this idea a try.
25. GRINCH PUMPKIN
Painting pumpkins is not just for fall, paint one that is Christmas-inspired. And what is more Christmas-inspired than the famous Grinch?
Use green and black paint for the face and just attach the Christmas hat using a hot glue gun.
26. LUKE’S DINER PUMPKIN
Gilmore Girls is one of my favorite TV shows. If you are also a huge fan, recreate this painted pumpkin with Luke’s diner logo.
Paint the entire pumpkin blue first and make the design of the logo with yellow paint. Then grab a dark brown shade and write down Luke’s.
27. HOT AIR BALLOON PUMPKIN
Looking for no-carve pumpkin painting ideas to recreate in 2024? Look no further because this hot air balloon pumpkin is just what you need.
Grab a bunch of colors and paint stripes like above. You can stop here for an easy and colorful design but, if you want to go a step further, attach it to a woven basket and add a mini tealight to make it look like an actual hot air balloon.
28. BUBBLEGUM MACHINE PUMPKIN
In search of easy and fun pumpkin painting ideas the kids can recreate? This bubblegum machine-inspired design will keep them occupied for quite some time.
It’s actually not hard at all. Have them paint the pumpkin blue first and make colorful circles for the gum. Then paint styrofoam cups for the machine portion and attach them using a hot glue gun.
29. GHOST FACE PUMPKIN
Want something a little more spooky? Then this ghost face pumpkin is for you. You’ll need black and white acrylic paint for the face and a little bit of red paint for the blood.
30. STARRY NIGHT
For some reason, this pumpkin design reminds me of ACOTAR’s night court. My book girlies know what I’m talking about.
Anyway, if you want something simple and magical, go for this. Paint the pumpkin black and make the moon using gold paint. Then add sparkly stars around it to complete the look.
31. DOT PAINTED PUMPKIN
This is for all the girlies who just want something super simple and easy but also still very pretty.
Using a dotting tool, make dots like above. Make sure to use different sizes to create dimension.
You can create whatever design you want using a dotting tool, the possibilities are quite literally endless.
32. MUMMY PUMPKIN
This is such an easy pumpkin decorating idea that anyone can make. Paint the pumpkin blue and wrap some gauze around it to give it the mummy look.
Then simply stick on the googly eyes and you’re done!
33. LEOPARD PRINT PUMPKIN
Last but not least, we have this beautiful leopard print pumpkin idea that’ll guarantee compliments.
It will stand out anywhere you put it. You’ll just need black, gold, and white acrylic paints and a paintbrush to recreate this.
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THIS POST SHOWED YOU THE BEST PUMPKIN PAINTING IDEAS
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