With all of the pumpkin spice in the air (and in your coffee), you know that trick or treating can’t be too far behind. But for those of us who don’t exactly love what the Hallmark Halloween looks like, take heart: though sometimes it may feel that way, the holiday isn’t limited to big plastic orange baubles, googly eyes or nightmarish door decor.
Halloween crafts can be pretty — dare we say beautiful — and artsy, too. So scroll through these chic (but surprisingly easy to replicate) pumpkins, sure to inspire … and then don’t be afraid to create!
Tasty trick of the eye
Who says a pumpkin has to look like a pumpkin? Turn a half-dozen smaller gourds into sweet confections with a coat of paint from stem to bottom — a white or cream color is usually best. Once dry, paint on a pop of color around the top half (your doughnut), and then have fun drawing on those guaranteed-to-make-you-smile sprinkles. Best presented next to real apple cider doughnuts.
Effortless and elegant
A swath of neutral paint and a dusting of 1-inch cuts of washi tape make these pumpkins ready for the ball.
Velvet crush
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These luxe pumpkins start with jewel-toned velvet swaths, creatively cinched and wrapped around stuffing. (You can use anything from old socks to cotton balls: pumpkins are lumpy by nature!) Then gather the fabric at the top and hot-glue on a harvested stem. Voila! – pumpkins to drool over. And you didn’t get orange pulp all over the dining room table.
Soft and sweet
Another take on velvet pumpkins, these adorable creations in icy hues are so inviting, you’ll be tempted to cozy up to a few on your bed or sofa.
Fairytale floral
Chaste blooms on a field of white topped by a perfectly gnarled stem balance the sweetness in this storybook pumpkin. Don’t feel like you have the skills to recreate these roses? Go for lots of colorful dots on a white background instead: it will be vibrant, abstract, and totally foolproof.
Film noir
Enter pumpkin as femme fatale — a neutral tone painted pumpkin with matte black stem wrapped in alluring finespun lace. (Simply stretch over your pumpkin and cut and glue at either end.) Now that’s a showstopper.
A teal token
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This year, a teal pumpkin on your doorstep alerts kids with allergies that your house offers a safe, non-food trick or treat alternative. Cute and considerate — what’s not to love?
Absolutely genteel
A monogram of exquisite penmanship screams southern charm and elevates the humble pumpkin to center-stage on your porch. Achieve this look in a snap with a custom vinyl sticker, printable stencils, or paint your own freehand.
Melting magic
Upcycled and gorgeous. This project begins with a pumpkin (real or faux) and crayons (used and broken are best) craft-glued around the base of the stem. Diffuse with a hair dryer to create a striking abstract work of fall art.
Filigree finery
An unexpected palate and ethereal hand-painted lace creates a stunning yet subtle effect. If you don’t think your painter’s brush will create lace quite this perfect, try gluing on crocheted fabric, or doilies instead.
Autumn blooms
Set a dreamy fall mood with this autumnal tinted pumpkin graced with delicate, contrasting white blooms.
A monochromatic tableau
Create a soothing tablescape with varying elements in one hue — pumpkins of different sizes, organic materials that strike your fancy and tea lights for a touch of drama.
Heady blossoms
Sumptuous fall-inspired flower arrangements take on an extraordinary dimension when anchored by a complementary color-tinted pumpkin. Though, this one does require a little carving and scooping to create a hollowed out vase.
A hint of the vine
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Less is more. A few tiny muted-tone pumpkins make a splendid addition to a seasonal entryway or vignette. (And take just 10 minutes or less to paint!)
Harvest chiller
Turn the notion of pumpkin as random autumn porch adornment on its ear by fashioning a pumpkin into a wine chiller. Simply choose a pumpkin that’s been flattened on one side (there’s always more than a few like that in every patch) and carve a large circle on the side you’ll want facing up. Then scoop, clean, and fill with ice. Cheers to that!
And today we celebrate...