Carving pumpkins is a classic Halloween tradition, but let’s be honest, it can get messy! If you’re looking for a fun, creative, and much tidier way to get into the spooky spirit, why not try some no-carve pumpkin decorating?
It’s a fantastic activity for all ages, and you can find everything you need right here at Swansgate Shopping Centre.
So, grab your little ghouls and goblins and get ready to transform your pumpkins into works of art.
1. Superhero Pumpkins: Saving the Day, One Pumpkin at a Time!
Unleash your inner superhero with this super-easy decorating idea. This is perfect for little ones who love their favourite comic book characters.
- How-To: Choose your superhero’s main colour and paint your pumpkin a solid coat (e.g., blue for Superman, red for The Flash). Let it dry completely. Next, use contrasting colours to add the iconic emblem or logo. For example, a yellow lightning bolt on a red pumpkin or a black bat symbol on a yellow circle. You can freehand the design or print a stencil from home to help guide you.
- Where to find supplies: Head to our Home Bargains for Acrylic Paint Markers
2. Animal-Themed Pumpkins: A Whole Menagerie!
From a fluffy little owl to a mischievous black cat, you can turn your pumpkin into any animal you can imagine.
- How-To: This is a great project for using paper cutouts. For an owl, simply cut out wing shapes and big eyes from coloured card and glue them on. To create a cat, use black card to cut out pointed ears and stick them to the top of the pumpkin. You can even use a marker to draw on whiskers and a nose.
- Where to find supplies: Our TGJones or The Works have a fantastic range of coloured paper, card, and scissors.
3. Emoji Pumpkins: Express Yourself!
Feeling happy, surprised, or a little bit mischievous? Create a pumpkin that shows how you feel with this fun and modern idea.
- How-To: Paint your pumpkin a vibrant yellow and let it dry. Then, using black and red markers, draw on the classic emoji faces. You can create a “winking face,” a “crying laughing” face, or even a “ghost” emoji! This is a brilliant way to add a pop of personality to your Halloween decor.
- Where to find supplies: Our TGJones stocks all the different coloured markers you’ll need.
4. Ghostly Silhouettes: Simple and Spooky
This is a great idea for creating a genuinely spooky pumpkin that looks a lot more complicated than it is!
- How-To: First, paint your pumpkin a solid, dark colour like black, dark blue, or deep purple. Let it dry completely. Then, using a white or light-coloured marker or paint pen, draw ghostly shapes floating across the surface. Think classic sheet ghosts with hollowed-out eyes. You can also add spooky trees, bats, or a full moon.
- Where to find supplies: Our craft and stationery retailers have a wide range of paint colours and paint pens.
5. Classic Faces: The Easiest Jack-o’-Lanterns Ever
Want that traditional jack-o’-lantern look without the mess and sharp tools? This simple drawing trick is the perfect solution.
- How-To: Head to our website to download and print one of our classic pumpkin face designs. Once you have your template, cut out the eyes, nose, and mouth and place the paper on your pumpkin. Using a black marker, trace the shapes onto the pumpkin’s surface. Remove the paper and then colour in the shapes to create your classic jack-o’-lantern face!
- Where to find supplies: All you’ll need is a thick black marker, which you can find at any of our stationery retailers.
So, there you have it! Five easy, no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas that are perfect for the whole family. Why not try a few of them? And remember, you can find all the supplies you need right here at Swansgate.
Don’t forget to pick up your free pumpkin at our “Spin and Spooks” event on Thursday, 30th October, from 11am to 3pm! And please, share your wonderful creations with us on social media using #SwansgatePumpkins.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
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