10 No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas to Get You in the Halloween Spirit

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Updated on August 31st, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Pumpkin carving has always been one of my favorite Halloween traditions. Digging the guts out, roasting the butter-slathered seeds, even carving with those awful little knives that ALWAYS break in half. But really, it’s kind of a lot of work for something that’s only going to last five days, at best. Plus, not everyone shares my love for touching slimy orange goop.

If you want to skip the mess and create something that will last a little longer this year, here are 10 of our favorite no-carve pumpkin ideas for Halloween.

1. Nailhead Trim Pumpkins

no-carve pumpkin ideas
Image via Lovely Indeed

Who knew thumbtacks could be so chic? This nailhead trim idea is perfect for hardware-loving DIYers who want to get in on the Halloween fun. Use one of these designs, or try one of your own!

Looking for more inspiration?

Browse home listings to help inspire the space around you.
2. Pumpkin People

no-carve pumpkin ideas
Image via Pretty Providence

Kill me with cuteness. Pumpkins wearing glasses and bowties?! Yes please.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkins

glow in the dark pumpkins
Image via I Love to Create

If you want to grab attention with your painted pumpkin on Halloween night, glow-in-the-dark paint is the way to go. Create one of these designs or try making a Jack-glow-lantern.

4. Sequin Polka Dot Pumpkin

painted pumpkin ideas
Image via Sugar & Cloth

If Kate Spade sold decorative pumpkins, this is how I’d imagine they look. So simple and pretty.

5. Painted Pumpkins

pretty painted pumpkins
Image via Perfectly Imperfect

These painted pumpkins challenge the typical red, orange and yellow hues of fall. Pick a color that matches your indoor or outdoor décor and get painting!

6. Pumpkin Flower Vase

pumpkin flower vase
Image via Chatelaine

This pumpkin vase DIY is so simple! Hollow out and paint your pumpkin, stick a drinking glass inside and fill it with your favorite fall flowers! Check out Redfin’s step-by-step tutorial here.

7. DIY Donut Pumpkins

donut pumpkins
Photo via Studio DIY

Kelly from Studio DIY just won my heart with this donut pumpkin tutorial. Two of my favorite things in one! Stock up on some mini pumpkins and try the tutorial yourself.

8. Paint-Dotted Pumpkins

no-carve pumpkin
Image via A Beautiful Mess

Remember those button candies you could eat by the strip as a kid? The little dots of fabric paint on this pumpkin totally remind me of those. So fitting for Halloween.

9. Copper Herringbone Pumpkins

painted pumpkin Halloween
Image via Lovely Indeed

Who doesn’t love drawing with metallic pens?! Grab some copper paint pens and give these herringbone pumpkins a try.

10. Embroidered Pumpkins

embroidered pumpkin
Image via Blog A La Cart

Lastly, super crafty cross stitch pumpkins! Download some free Halloween cross-stitch patterns to get started.

Which of these no-carve ideas are you going to try? Share yours with us in the comments or on Twitter @Redfin.

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