Now, I love indulging in childhood nostalgia as much as the next guy. But pumpkin carving is kind of the worst. It's messy; those flimsy tools you get with the carving booklet barely work; and the lopsided smiley face you spent hours creating is not at all worth the arm ache and pumpkin-gut-smelling fingers that'll follow you around for days.
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Luckily for us anti-carvers, Linda Smith of the craft and recipe blog Burlap + Blue says that hack-sawing your pumpkin isn't the only way to DIY your fall decor. You just have to get creative.
"Fall is the beginning of the indoor, cozy season for most people," she said. "Crafting is a simple and satisfying way to bring their attention to the space that matters most: home."
In addition to adding cozy touches such as warm throws, spicy diffuser blends and woodsy accents, Smith recommends finding other cost-effective ways to give your home a good fall sprucing. "Stems and branches, candles or vases (you can wrap with a length of ribbon or burlap to update seasonally) and switching out throw pillow covers are easy places to start," she says.
So in the spirit of avoiding pumpkin seeds, here are 20 no-carve pumpkin DIYs from Linda and other crafters that'll let you express your creative side — without a single drop of orange slime.
The Hand-Lettered Pumpkin
Credit: Burlap + Blue
If you're a sucker for a fall pun — commander-in-leaf, anyone? — then you'll love this DIY from blogger Linda Smith. All you need is some paint pens, a steady hand and a little patience to craft a custom pumpkin with your favorite fall saying.
The Family Gratitude Pumpkin
Credit: Burlap + Blue
This simple DIY turns any ol' pumpkin into a live gratitude journal. What will easily become your new favorite fall tradition, have every member of your crew write something they're thankful for on the pumpkin with a paint pen. Bonus points if you proudly display their answers as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table.
The Floral Mod Podge Pumpkin
Credit: Burlap + Blue
Not a wordsmith? No worries. This floral-covered pumpkin by Smith is proof that crafting doesn't have to be complicated. All you need are some floral scrapbooking paper and Mod Podge to create a textured pumpkin that looks way too pretty to be DIY.
The Sock Pumpkin
Credit: Bellewood Cottage
Let's be honest: Your sock drawer isn't getting any thinner. So why not put some of those old socks to good use? This sock pumpkin DIY by Bellewood Cottage will give your old socks a second chance at life.
The Candle Holder Pumpkin
Credit: Modern Glam
Mood lighting just took on a whole new meaning thanks to this DIY candle holder pumpkin. All you need are a pumpkin, some candlesticks and a peeler to craft the perfect ambiance for autumn nights by the fire.
The Old-Time Pottery Pumpkin
Credit: Deb & Danelle
If you love all things vintage but hate paying antiques prices for holiday decor, this pottery-inspired pumpkin project from Deb & Danelle is the perfect solution. With just a few supplies, you'll be able to give any of your pumpkins (real or faux) a timeless upgrade.
The Pumpkin Pillow
Credit: Lilies & Loafers
Most pumpkins are not snuggle-worthy. But these DIY pillows from Lilies & Loafers definitely are. Your couches and chairs will thank you for this cozy addition to your autumn decor.
The Yarn Pumpkin
Credit: The Navage Patch
Can't part with any of your yarn stash? Show off your favorite reddish hues and orange tones by crafting this yarn pumpkin from The Navage Patch. It's the perfect way to add a little homemade charm to your shelves or tabletops.
The Butterfly Pumpkin
Credit: Designing Vibes
We may associate butterflies with the spring and summer months, but they can easily add a touch of whimsy to your fall decor. This butterfly pumpkin DIY from Designing Vibes is the perfect way to bring some color to your living room or porch.
The Concrete Pumpkin
Credit: Cali Girl in a Southern World
If your vibe is a little less boho and a lot more urban, then this DIY from Cali Girl in a Southern World will be right up your alley. These heavy-duty gourds are great for both indoor and outdoor decor and add a touch of industrial chic to any space.
The Boho Pumpkin
Credit: A Wonderful Thought
Of course, you don't have to go for a full-on industrial look just because you're forgoing the carving. The braided raffia detail on this boho pumpkin from A Wonderful Thought makes it look anything but ordinary.
The Book Pumpkin
Credit: Just That Perfect Piece
Calling all bookworms — this one's for you. It will require you to cut up a novel (gasp!), but the whimsy result is totally worth it. Imagine how darling this would look on a coffee table or among your favorite reads on your bookshelf.
The Decoupage Pumpkin
Credit: Jennifer Rizzo
It's about to be a very floral fall thanks to this decoupage design from Jennifer Rizzo that's giving us all the Practical Magic vibes. Pick your favorite local wildflowers and get gluing for a statement-making centerpiece.
The Mud Cloth Pumpkin
Credit: House on Longwood Lane
There's nothing more fun than an unexpected DIY. While everyone else will be decorating their pumpkins with ghoulish grins, you'll be painting yours in a mud cloth pattern for a one-of-a-kind piece that'll last from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
The Marble Pumpkin
Credit: Pretty Providence
It can be hard to find fall decor that aligns with a glam aesthetic — but not anymore. This simple and chic DIY transforms any pumpkin into a marble masterpiece.
The Doily Pumpkin
Credit: Allyson Baker Design
We love a good dose of nostalgia. And this doily pumpkin from Allyson Baker Design takes us way back to Grandma's house. All you need are some white doilies and a hot glue gun for a vintage-inspired pumpkin that'll be the envy of your neighborhood.
The Ghost Pumpkin
Credit: Jenna Sue Design
Just because you're not carving this year doesn't mean you can't get a little spooky with it. This simple painted ghost tutorial from Jenna Sue Design will give your gourd an eerie edge.
The Sequin Polka Dot Pumpkin
Credit: Sugar and Cloth
Who says sequins are just for New Year's? Upgrade any pumpkin by applying a few strategically placed sequins that'll make it sparkle all season long.
The Brushstroke Pumpkin
Credit: The Merry Thought
Want a simple DIY that'll make a massive impact? This brushstroke pumpkin from The Merry Thought will do the trick. All you need is a few cans of paint and a steady hand to craft this modern take on traditional fall decor.
Credit: Aubree Originals
The Black-and-White Pumpkin
Nothing is as classic and timeless as the combination of black and white. This simple DIY from Aubree Originals proves you can still have a festive pumpkin without opting for the orange hues. Plus, it'll pair perfectly with any of your boldly colored decor.
