No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

Transform your Halloween into a colorful celebration with this mess-free pumpkin decorating project! With OOLY’s vibrant paints, markers, pens, and crayons, turn simple faux pumpkins into a dazzling display of ghosts, rainbows, and whimsical designs. These easy DIY crafts are perfect for both kids and adults, making it a fun-filled activity that’s all treat and no trick. Whether you’re going for spooky or silly, these decorated pumpkins are sure to add a monstrously fun twist to your Halloween décor. Get ready to craft your way to a boo-tiful Halloween with OOLY! 

Drawing with Magic Puffy Pens on Faux Pumpkins

Time Duration: 30 minutes 

Skill Level: Beginner

Products Needed:

• OOLY Magic Puffy Pens
• Faux pumpkins

Directions:

Step 1: Start by grabbing your OOLY Magic Puffy Pens and draw an oval shape with wavy lines at the bottom. This will form the outline of your ghost.

Step 2: Continue the fun by drawing more ghosts all around your pumpkin, using different colors and shapes. Let your imagination run wild!

Step 3: Once your ghosts are complete, add heat using a hair dryer (adult supervision required) to make the ink puff up like popcorn! Draw, dry, heat, and voilà! Enjoy magical art like you've never experienced before, as the OOLY Magic Puffy Pens neon ink puffs into mesmerizing 3-dimensional art.

TIPS: First, shake OOLY Magic Puffy Pens to mix the paint. Squeeze the pen as you draw to get good ink flow. While the ink dries, let the hair dryer run for 2 minutes on high heat, so it gets hot enough. Then hold it about a half of an inch away from the paint for it to puff up!

Step 4: Now, use OOLY The Ink Works Markers to add eyes and other small details to your ghosts. This will give them extra character and make them come to life with personality!

Step 5: Your spooky, 3D ghost pumpkins are all set! Enjoy showing off your fun and festive creation! 

 

Drawing with Vivid Pop! Paint Markers on Faux Pumpkins

Time Duration: 20 minutes 

Skill Level: Beginner

Products Needed:

• Vivid Pop! Water Based Paint Markers - Set of 8
• Faux Pumpkins

Directions:

Step 1: Select your favorite colors from the Vivid Pop! Water Based Paint Markers. These vibrant multi surface markers are perfect for bringing your pumpkin design to life!

Painting with Paintology Acrylic Paint on Faux Pumpkins

Time Duration: 30 minutes 

Skill Level: Intermediate

Products Needed:

• Paintology Acrylic Paint Set - Classic Colors - Set of 12
• Faux pumpkins

Directions:

Step 1: Grab your Paintology Acrylic Paint Set - Classic Colors and lay out your favorite colors. 

Step 2: Begin decorating your faux pumpkin with fun designs. We chose to paint flowers, but you can go with any design you love. Whether it's rainbows, stars, or unique patterns, let your creativity take the lead!

Step 3: Switch things up by experimenting with different colors and adding extra designs. You can layer various hues and explore new shapes to make your pumpkin even more vibrant and unique.

Step 4: Once your pumpkin is dry, it’s time to proudly display your masterpiece! Find a perfect spot where everyone can admire your amazing creation. Prepare to hear plenty of "Wow!" and "That's awesome!" from friends and family!

 

Drawing with The Ink Works Markers on Faux Pumpkins

Time Duration: 30 minutes 

Skill Level: Beginner

Products Needed:

• The Ink Works Markers
• Faux pumpkins

Directions:

Step 1: Grab your OOLY The Ink Works Markers and start by writing a fun word on your pumpkin. We chose "spooky," but feel free to go with anything that fits the Halloween spirit, like "boo," "trick or treat," or "happy Halloween!"

Step 2: We’re using cursive, but you can explore other fonts and designs to make it uniquely yours.

Step 3: Enhance your design by adding extra details around your word. We added a bat and a moon to give it more Halloween flair. Let your imagination guide you!

Step 4: Step back and admire your finished pumpkin. It’s ready to bring a touch of Halloween magic to your home!

Painting with Lil’ Poster Paint Pods on Faux Pumpkins

Time Duration: 20 minutes 

Skill Level: Beginner

Products Needed:

• OOLY Lil' Poster Paint Pods
• Faux Pumpkins

Directions:

Step 1: Start by grabbing your OOLY Lil' Poster Paint Pods and picking out your favorite colors for your pumpkin. Dip your brush into the paint and begin creating small brush strokes across the surface of your pumpkin.

Step 2: Let's make your pumpkin even more lively! Layer various colors on top of one another. You can experiment with different color combinations and use both large and small brush strokes. It’s like dressing your pumpkin in a colorful new outfit!

Step 3: After you've finished painting your pumpkin, allow it to dry completely. Once it's ready, you can proudly display your amazing creation for everyone to see!

Coloring with Color Appeel Crayon Sticks on Faux Pumpkins

Time Duration: 20 minutes 

Skill Level: Beginner

Products Needed:

• Color Appeel Crayon Sticks - Set of 12
• Faux pumpkins

Directions:

Step 1: Grab your OOLY Color Appeel Crayon Sticks draw up-and-down strokes on your faux pumpkin. This will create colorful patches that will serve as the foundation for your design.

Step 2: Select different colors and continue layering them using the same up-and-down motion. Mix and match to create beautiful, smooth blends.

Step 3: Keep adding color until your entire pumpkin is covered in vibrant hues. 

Step 4: Step back and admire your finished pumpkin. It’s like a beautiful painting was brought to life, ready to brighten up your Halloween décor!

As you wrap up your festive pumpkin creations, take a moment to appreciate the unique designs you've brought to life using OOLY paints, markers, pens, or crayons. Whether it's vibrant colors, spooky words, or playful ghosts, each pumpkin is a reflection of your creativity and Halloween spirit. This easy DIY craft is a fun project for both kids and adults and is perfect for adding a personal touch to your seasonal décor. These decorated faux pumpkins aren’t just decorations; they’re works of art that bring Halloween magic to your home. So, proudly display your masterpieces and enjoy the spook-tacular charm they bring. Happy crafting and have a hauntingly fun Halloween! 

Pumpkins decorated by: Kayla Koslow (@mskoslowsartroom) 🎃

We would love to see photos of your spook-tacular pumpkins! Tag us on Instagram at @WeAreOOLY using #OOLYcreateyourhappy.

 

 

Drawing on Pumpkins

Storytelling Pumpkins The idea for the storytelling pumpkin came about from my love of making story stones for children. This was a fun pumpkin to collaborate with my 5-year-old son, and a great way to help him with creative storytelling. I created this whimsical-inspired pumpkin (see below) using OOLY's chalk-o-rama chalk crayons. I love how smooth and beautiful these chalk crayons cover the pumpkins surface. Plus, they work on almost any surface, including real pumpkins!

I used a faux white pumpkin and then with my chalk crayons I covered the surface of the pumpkin.

Doodle Pumpkins It’s hard to go wrong with a doodle pumpkin. Your doodles don’t have to be complicated. They can simply be straight lines and it will still turn out beautifully. If you’re crafting with children and want to keep the mess to a minimum, I recommend using OOLY's Chunkies Paint Sticks. I then paired those with Rainbow Sparkle Watercolor Gel Crayons (from OOLY) on a faux white pumpkin, and wow was the end result beautiful!

Polka Dot Pumpkins Another great decorating option, and to give your pumpkin a fun 3D textured look, use OOLY's neon & pearlescent dot-a-lot dot paints.

Step 1: Paint the pumpkins black using Lil' Poster Paint Pods from OOLY. Be sure to give them plenty of time to dry.

Step 1: Next, you can start decorating the pumpkins as you like. Use the dot-a-lot dot paints to make different size dots, or you can use it as a thicker paint.

Embellishing Pumpkins

Glitter Pumpkins “When in doubt, add more glitter!” If you want something that is eye-catching and will make people smile, just add glitter to your pumpkin.

Step 1: Cover your pumpkin in Mod Podge with a foam brush.

Step 2: Place a paper underneath your pumpkin and pour glitter over it. Use one color at a time and return the remaining glitter into the container.

Step 3: Let your pumpkin dry completely. If you like, add an additional coat of Mod Podge over the dried glitter. I didn’t add this layer, and my glitter still stayed on without shedding.