Hot Girl Fall participants, listen closely, as there’s an essential activity update that must be acknowledged. One of the best parts of the season is the opportunity to flex those decor skills, but (and I’m speaking from personal experience here) you shouldn’t have to whip out a full tool kit to join in on the whole front step pumpkin party. And to bear the responsibility of tracking down all of the stray pumpkin seeds strewn across your kitchen floor? It’s a no. That’s why we must thank the heavens that there’s an alternative that’s equally cute and festive, and it’s pumpkin painting!
Pumpkin decorating is such a fun way to celebrate the spooky szn and get those creative juices flowing. Plus, pair it with some candy and a bottle of wine, and you’re getting the perfect Halloween group activity. When it comes to the items you’ll need, different ~artistic visions~ require different materials, whether it’s chalk paint, acrylic paint, or a watercolor-based masterpiece, but you can add them to your Amazon cart or stock up with a quick trip to your local craft store.
But let me not get ahead of myself. If you’re still in the pumpkin design concept phase, we’re here to help. We’ve tracked down 25 absolutely adorable pumpkin painting ideas that’ll add some real seasonal cheer to your space. Whether it be a tongue-in-cheek pun or a plaid pattern, these are the hottest pumpkin lewks of 2022. Ya heard it here first babe.
1
Calligraphy Name Pumpkin
Sometimes you’ve gotta let the people know exactly who you are! To make that easier, a little branded pumpkin is such a cute idea. Using your initials or your fam’s last name are fun options too. Plus, if you don’t even feel like actually painting for this, you can order pre-made pumpkins!
2
Plaid Pattern Pumpkin
I love the whole “New England prep school in the Fall” vibe here. Plus, adding that pop of color on the stem tops it off perfectly. A lovely little addition to your fall decor collection.
Get the tutorial from The Craft Patch.
4
Spiderweb Pumpkin
Here’s a super festive design, and no actual insects are involved—just some black paint and white cords. Ain’t that a blessing?
Get the tutorial from Magia Mia.
5
Dark Floral Decal Pumpkin
6
White Floral Patterned Pumpkin
No, forgoing a base coat is not lazy, it’s simply a creative choice! And look at how well it can pay off here with these floral patterns, which you can achieve with just a white paint pen.
Get the tutorial from Stone Gable.
8
Zig Zag Pumpkin
Giving your pumpkin a geometric design can go a long way. Plus this one doesn’t require too much artistic skill, so there’s a plus!
Get the tutorial from Decoist.
9
Dip Dye Metallic Pumpkin
10
Polka Dot Pumpkin
She’s simple as hell to make with just a few paint colors and circular stamps, and she’s an absolutely delightful tabletop decoration. She is the polka dotted pumpkin.
11
Drip Paint Pumpkin
The best part about this idea is that the less refined it is, the better. No stress if you don’t know your way with a paintbrush, bc you’re basically just dipping and dripping.
Get the tutorial from Family Handyman.
12
Hometown Pumpkin
This area-code design is a great way to show your hometown some subtle love (a state decal will also do the trick). If you are into this idea but don’t wanna pick up a state-shaped stencil, you can order pre-made state stickers for your pumpkin here and then paint it your fave color.
Get the tutorial from Country Living.
13
Movie Character Pumpkins
Give your fave pop culture icons a wink with this idea. Halloween-y characters like the Sanderson sisters made with paint and paper seem like the obvious choice (somehow these look just like them?), but hey, go for whatever your heart desires.
Concept by Kellie Miller
14
Tropical Island Pumpkins
Yes, you can still harness summertime island girl vibes in the middle of autumn. This white stenciled monstera leaf and brightly colored design says that’s totally fine.
Get the tutorial from Sarah Hearts.
15
Neutral Chalk Toned Pumpkins
Aesthetically pleasing pumpkins are within reach, ppl! Painting a whole bunch of mini ones with chalky finish craft paint and scattering them throughout your space creates such a cute fall vibe.
Get the tutorial from Purely Katie.
16
Gold Lettered Pumpkin
This shimmery pumpkin witch’s spell book look is like, just creepy enough. It comes together pretty easily too, with only a few materials like gold metallic and matte black paint!
Get the tutorial from The Craft Patch.
17
Pun-kins
There’s nothing more generous than providing all of your neighbors/visitors/onlooking pedestrians with a timely pun. “Creep it real,” honestly? Too good.
Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.
19
Festive Fall Designed Pumpkin
To the girls that yearn all year for the crunchy fall leaves, this one is for you. You can make it happen with four shades of autumn-y paint colors, some leaf stencils, and some commitment.
Get the tutorial from Plaid.
20
Pumpkin Tree
New rule: Trees shouldn’t be reserved for Christmas. I see no better way to usher in this trend than with this 3-tier pumpkin masterpiece. Just FYI that this one’s for intermediate crafters.
Get the tutorial from Plaid.
22
Rainbow Glitter Pumpkin
24
Monster Faces Pumpkins
This concept allows you to fully commit to the spirit of Halloween. Try a collage of witches’ hats, Frankensteins, or black cats! Whatever suits your fancy.
Get the tutorial from By Quinn.
25
Donut Pumpkins
Donut even sit here and act like these don’t make you smile. You’re gonna need some focus to sketch the little rainbow sprinkles on, but it’ll be freakin’ adorable when it’s done.
Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.
Annabel Iwegbue
Annabel Iwegbue is assistant to the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan.
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