Limited Mess Pumpkin Decorating Ideas for Kids

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Oct 2008 01:37 PM

Whereas I was tempted to title this blog "No Mess Pumpkin Decorating Ideas," I know better than to do so given that glitter is involved in some of the following projects. Trust me; as a mom of a craft-loving preschooler I know what happens when a few containers of glitter are placed on an art table. Still, I'll take a beach full of sandy glitter over a sink full of slimy pumpkin guts any day.

With that said, here are a few more ways you can make your pumpkin stand out from the other gourds this Halloween:

Glitter Pumpkins

While most people choose to use regular size pumpkins to decorate with glitter, I prefer using this technique on mini pumpkins. This is especially noteworthy if you are decorating with children. The smaller pumpkins are easier to manipulate.

The project is extremely straightforward. Simply apply glue in a design of your choice (squiggly lines, stripes, polka dots, checkerboards, hearts, happy faces, a creepy countenance, etc.), and then add the glitter.

Pincushion Pumpkins

This is not a project I would recommend undertaking with children younger than 10.

The key is draw whimsical patterns or freaky faces on your pumpkin and use pins that have colored or metallic heads to make the patterns pop.

If you don't want to spend money on a ton of pins consider decorating mini pumpkins with a few strategically placed pins to create a "Hellraiser"-type effect.

Ribbon Pumpkins

Simple no-fuss beribboned pumpkins can be made by attaching double-stick tape to lengths of black, orange, white, green, brown or patterned ribbon and wrapping each around pumpkins.

Decoupage Pumpkins

Use clippings from old magazines and decoupage to make colorful and eclectic looking gourds.

Marker Pumpkins

This year we decorated some of our mini pumpkins with those dot paint markers (Do-a-Dot rainbow set) and they came out surprisingly well. My 4-year-old went to town creating fancy polka dotted pumpkins. You can enhance the look by using permanent markers to draw elaborate designs and filling in with the dot markers.

Another idea: If you are sticking with traditional markers consider creating a Franken-pumpkin by drawing scar-like marks with a Sharpie and stapling on some stitches.

Michele Cheplic writes about red-hot celebrities in POP CULTURE, fiery topics in PARENTS, sizzling recipes in FOOD, calorie burning exercises in FITNESS, and hot new kid-friendly crafts in FUN. Check out all of her articles here.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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geblueyes (15) 23 Oct 2008 08:24 AM

Hello, I loved your pumpkin craft ideas. Using simple craft supplies that every family has around the home makes for fun and inexpensive craft time. I especially liked your Ribbon decorating idea.

This is my first time on a blog; I was searching for toddler crafts for Halloween to put on my web site. I sell children's toys and have an Activities page and I am always looking for new ideas to post for my customers.

Would I be allowed to copy your craft ideas onto my website or would I need to make a link to somewhere? You my view my website activity page at http://www.blocksand3dpuzzles.com/page/834262. Thank you, Garolyn B.

Michele Cheplic (37349) 25 Oct 2008 05:47 AM

Thanks geblueyes! My daughter is a craft queen at 4 years old!