Decorating a Pumpkin without Carving
It’s undeniable that carved pumpkins lining front porches with candles illuminating light from within can be a beautiful sight during the fall season. However, there are many reasons that carving a pumpkin might not be the best for your family or lifestyle and many alternatives if this is the case.
Why not carve?
Pumpkin carving can be messy, time-consuming and dangerous. Also, carved pumpkins spoil faster. Emptying pumpkins can lead to a huge mess inside your home. Additionally, using sharp knives in slippery pumpkins presents with a major injury concern. Because most of the carving has to be done by adults to prevent accidents, kids (usually the reason that pumpkins are carved in the first place), can feel left out of the process.
Maybe this year it’s time to try something different that’s more appropriate for your lifestyle. Keep it fun and remember that you’ll be building family memories that involve every member!
Bring out the brushes
Painting can be a simple and common solution to the danger aspect of pumpkin carving. Although you may end up with a mess, it can be minimized by taking a few steps.
Check out your local craft store for washable tempura or finger paints. You can certainly use fingers for the actual painting, but it might be better to purchase a few brushes. Purchase multiple sizes with thick handles (which help the little ones grasp the brushes) and think of it as an investment. If you take care of them after the process (wash them, keep them in damp towels until they dry), you’ll be able to use the brushes for years to come.
When purchasing the colors, to keep it affordable, pick out primary colors (red, blue, yellow). From here, you can make almost every color on the color scale. Also, remember a basic black and white paint for the pumpkins’ eyes!
Go old school
Remember papier-mâché as a child? Purchase some good old glue and some fabric, gift wrap, or even tissue paper or newspapers and go to town. Cut some shapes for your kids and let them paste to their hearts’ content! Think of it as pumpkin-patchwork!
Think outside the box
Remember that because you’re not carving, these techniques do not apply only to pumpkins. Plan a visit to your local pumpkin place, farm or farmer’s market for a look at other fall vegetables and fruits that are yours for the decorating. Squash and gourds make excellent fall decorations and will make your house stand out!
Whatever you decide, keep it simple and keep it fun. Fall doesn’t have to be about carving pumpkins, the possibilities are endless.
