No Carve Decoupage Pumpkins

I’m so excited about this DIY! I love how simple and pretty these pumpkins turned out. This post is Part One of the DIY–it’s all about the pretty decoupage. Part Two will show you how to create a thumbtack design on your pumpkin (and if you’re a pumpkin lover, check out my other pumpkin DIYs here and here). These no carve decoupage pumpkins are so easy!!! I think they would make a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece, or even as decor for a fall wedding or baby shower.

Materials

• Pumpkin, real or fake (I used ones from Michaels and they’re on SALE right now for 60% off!)
• Mod Podge (I like the matte version)
• Foam brush
• Scissors, large and small detail
• Wrapping paper, decorative paper–any type of paper will work! I used Rifle Paper Co. wrapping paper found here
• Gold acrylic paint for the pumpkin stems (optional)

Basic Idea

Cut out designs. Small detail scissors work well if you have lots of twists and turns. If you like floral patterns, Rifle Paper Co. has gorgeous designs! One of my favorite places to shop for paper is Paper Source.

Use a foam brush or paint brush and apply Mod Podge directly on the pumpkin where you want your design to be. Then place the image on the pumpkin and smooth out air bubbles. Gently press the paper into the grooves of the pumpkin so it lays flat. Let dry. Apply designs all over the pumpkin or just a few spots. I decided to keep it minimal and just apply 1-3 designs on each pumpkin. But an all over pattern would be really pretty!

Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the top of the paper to seal it. Let dry.

That’s it! Decoupage is easy and forgiving, and you can use the technique on so many different things! What other holiday projects could you try it on? Something Christmas-related? DIY gifts? Decorative boxes? Furniture? The possibilities are endless.

Check out Part Two for the thumbtack tutorial! And in the mean time, check out other fall projects like Copper Pumpkin Place Cards, Wrapping Tips with Fall Metallics, Tattoo Pumpkins, and Thumbtack Pumpkins, and the DIY Holiday page! xo