It’s Halloween week, and pumpkins are everywhere, so I thought I’d explore some imaginative ways to decorate the darned things. What fun I had researching! Some exhibit great levels of skill and artistry, some are more the result of a good eye and a well-stocked crafts room, and there are some no-carve kid-friendly ideas here, as well.
Using everything from googly eyes and washi tape to semi-precious gems, there is something here for everyone. The one thing they all have in common is their creativity, and I’d be happy to have any of them outside my house. Of course, were I to attempt any of these creations, the main material would be Sauvignon blanc.
Materials: expensive carving tools, M.F.A.
Materials: chalkboard paint, paint pen, a OCD
Materials: toothpicks, dollhouse stuff, Thomas Kinkade paintings
Materials: paint, plastic beads, rhinestones, very small dog* *Not actually necessary for the design, I’m just assuming
Materials: sharp knife, mad skills
Materials: many Mr. Potato Head accessories, small children to fight over them
Materials: chalk paint, puffy craft paint, thumbtacks, Martha Stewart
Materials: Sharp knife, steady hand, six-pack of IPA
Materials: acrylic paints, rainy day, children, something to take paint out of upholstery
Materials: sculpting tools, sculptor
Materials: Lacey stockings, hair tie, Instagram
Materials: carving tools, bored model, artist’s grant
Materials: gold paint, neon paint, gay best friend
Materials: googly eyes, bandages, 6 minutes
Materials: knife, metal parts, orthodontist
Materials: paint, clay, Monsters, Inc. DVD on repeat
Materials: knife, black marker, imagination
Materials: paint, leaves, glue, trip to the vet after you realize how many silver leaves the dog ate
Materials: knife, genius
Materials: paint, paper bat cutouts, a profound sense of satisfaction
Materials: paint, fancy belt buckles, fairy godmother
Materials: small interesting gourds, good knife, babysitter
Ladies and gentlemen, pumpkin Elvis has left the building
Your comments are better than (most of) the creations. Loved your Martha Stewart and small dog quips. For a pumpkin, I’ll take Tinker Bell and the orthodontics for my dentist daughter. Thanks for the laughs.
These were fabulous (and your comments priceless)! Not being a DIYer I’m always amazed at the time folks devote to projects…though some of these are quite stunning. – Karen
P.S. I’m in your neck of the woods this week! Taking in a few museums and doing a little thrifting 🙂
Wow…many of those were very cool looking. I do love to do crafts of almost any kind (my kids call my craft/sewing room, Baby Jo-Anns). I can appreciate all the work, and the creativity that went in to those designs. Thanks for the funny and the WOW!
Thank you! I love crafts, too, but since the hurricane, I’ve been a bit slow to replenish my formerly-well-stocked home office. I’m still a sucker for glitter, though!
You saved the best until last: that Elvis pumpkin rocks! Looking at these photos makes me feel so inadequate with the pumpkin carving I just did with my kids. We had family fun though and you can’t shove that on Pinterest. Maybe.
Your blog is such a treasure! I’m more interested in reading your witty write up than some of the extravagantly DIY’ed pumpkins and gourd . Great post!
This was a lot of fun, Donna! Thank you so much for sharing your artistic eye and rapier wit! Diggin’ it! I found one more pumpkin to add to your awesome collection here; this one requires moss, miniature graveyard stuff, and an electrician. -chortle- 🙂
Blessings….
Cap’n Toni….
October 26, 2015 at 7:27 am
Your comments are better than (most of) the creations. Loved your Martha Stewart and small dog quips. For a pumpkin, I’ll take Tinker Bell and the orthodontics for my dentist daughter. Thanks for the laughs.
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October 26, 2015 at 7:47 am
Glad you enjoyed them!
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October 26, 2015 at 8:14 am
These were fabulous (and your comments priceless)! Not being a DIYer I’m always amazed at the time folks devote to projects…though some of these are quite stunning. – Karen
P.S. I’m in your neck of the woods this week! Taking in a few museums and doing a little thrifting 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 26, 2015 at 9:35 am
I think that along with antiquing, thrifting is my favorite verb! Have fun!
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October 26, 2015 at 9:27 am
Wow…many of those were very cool looking. I do love to do crafts of almost any kind (my kids call my craft/sewing room, Baby Jo-Anns). I can appreciate all the work, and the creativity that went in to those designs. Thanks for the funny and the WOW!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 26, 2015 at 9:36 am
Thank you! I love crafts, too, but since the hurricane, I’ve been a bit slow to replenish my formerly-well-stocked home office. I’m still a sucker for glitter, though!
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October 26, 2015 at 11:13 am
As someone who loves Halloween I adore this post. Thank you!!
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October 26, 2015 at 3:01 pm
I’m so glad! It’s my fave, too.
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October 26, 2015 at 6:31 pm
I was so impressed with all of these. The winner: your comments. On the floor, laugh out loud. Too darn funny, Donna! Awesome post.
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October 26, 2015 at 6:42 pm
Thank you very much! You made my day!
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October 26, 2015 at 7:50 pm
You saved the best until last: that Elvis pumpkin rocks! Looking at these photos makes me feel so inadequate with the pumpkin carving I just did with my kids. We had family fun though and you can’t shove that on Pinterest. Maybe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 26, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Maybe… Love that.
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October 28, 2015 at 5:34 pm
I am grateful for the ab workout – still giggling at your pithy commentary, as usual!
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October 28, 2015 at 6:06 pm
You’re very sweet to me.
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October 30, 2015 at 7:22 pm
These are all cool and you are hilarious.
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October 30, 2015 at 8:00 pm
You are cool AND hilarious.
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November 12, 2015 at 10:39 am
Your blog is such a treasure! I’m more interested in reading your witty write up than some of the extravagantly DIY’ed pumpkins and gourd . Great post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
November 12, 2015 at 10:47 am
Thank you! I really had a lot of fun with that one.
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November 13, 2015 at 8:37 am
This was a lot of fun, Donna! Thank you so much for sharing your artistic eye and rapier wit! Diggin’ it! I found one more pumpkin to add to your awesome collection here; this one requires moss, miniature graveyard stuff, and an electrician. -chortle- 🙂

Blessings….
Cap’n Toni….
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 13, 2015 at 9:47 am
Thank you, Cap’n! I’m really glad you enjoyed the post. And I love your idea for a pumpkin. Now where to find an electrician . . .
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October 29, 2017 at 3:46 pm
Reblogged this on ARHtistic License and commented:
Have you carved your pumpkin yet? Here is some great inspiration from My OBT. Thank you, Donna!
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