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So you bought a bunch of pumpkins thinking you’d carve them… but now the mess, the tools, the cleanup? Yeah, suddenly that doesn’t sound so cute.
Enter: pumpkin painting — the way more fun, totally no-carve, creativity-unlocked kind of fall activity that actually lets your personality shine.
Whether you’re into spooky, aesthetic, glam, or just wanna slap on some paint and call it art (no judgment), painted pumpkins are the move this season (and the cutest date idea, FYI, to do with your boo or girlfriends).
Perfect for decorating your space, hosting a paint-and-sip night, or showing off on your IG —
These pumpkin painting ideas are seriously next-level!
1. Ghostface
Keep it simple yet horrifying with Ghostface from Scream. Paint your pumpkin a creepy white, add a black cloak, and don’t forget Ghostface’s signature wide-eyed scream.
2. glam ghostface
Take Ghostface… but make it fashion! Add glitter or even metallic paints to turn this slasher icon into a runway-ready gourd. It’s chic screams all the way.
3. blood splashes
Drizzle red paint over your pumpkin and voila, instant crime scene vibes. Bonus points for adding a mini knife or fake handprint.
4. Taylor Swift albums
Dedicate a pumpkin to your fave Taylor Swift album. From the dreamy “Midnights” aesthetic to the sparkly “Bejeweled” vibes, paint it all. Your Halloween spirit will never go out of style.
5. Pinocchio
Bring this little wooden fella to life (except less creepy). Paint a bright blue and brown hat, a yellow bowtie, and, of course, a very long nose. It’s pure childhood nostalgia on a pumpkin!
6. Cute ghostface
Not all ghosts are scary. Turn Ghostface into a cuddly cutie by using pastel colors. Add hearts or flowers to soften the spooky. It’s an adorable twist on the usual horror vibes.
7. It-ghost
This one’s trending hard on Pinterest. Combine the creepiness of a ghost with the glam of your favorite IT girl.
8. Swiftie bejeweled
If you’re obsessed with Taylor Swift’s “Bejeweled,” sparkle up your pumpkin to match! Use glitter, rhinestones, and metallic paints to create a dazzle-worthy masterpiece.
9. super doggo
Who says pumpkins are only for humans? Paint your pup’s superhero alter ego onto a pumpkin! Think cute capes, tiny masks, and bold colors to channel their inner Super Doggo.
10. powerpuff girls
Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Paint Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup on three pumpkins (or smash all three onto one). It’s fun, nostalgic, and totally Insta-worthy.
11. beetlejuice
Go all out with Beetlejuice-inspired stripes, eerie green highlights, and ghastly white features. Perfect for fans of spooky classics.
12. M&Ms
This one’s for the candy lovers. Paint your pumpkins to look like giant M&Ms in all your fave colors. Add a bold “M” logo and watch as everyone makes a grab for these sweet-looking gourds.
13. floral art
Turn your pumpkin into a masterpiece with some floral magic. Paint big, bold roses or tiny, dainty daisies all over your pumpkin. Pair it with vibrant shades for that ultra-DIY, cozy vibe.
14. baby sharks
Cue the Do-do-do-do-do! If you love “Baby Shark,” why not paint the whole gang? Use bold colors like blue, yellow, and pink, and draw their adorable “always-hungry-to-smile” faces.
15. spa inspired
Paint on some face masks, a fluffy pink bow, a towel, and pink lips for that relaxed, spa-day aesthetic. Trust me, it’s a vibe. Zen and festive all at once.
16. cutesy, pinteresty pumpkins
You know the pumpkin designs you always pin but never actually try? Yeah, we’re talking about those. Think soft pastels, golden polka dots, ombré gradients, and artsy calligraphy.
17. western ghostboy
Picture this: a ghost meets a cowboy. Paint your pumpkin as a little ghost wearing a mini cowboy hat, complete with a bandana and painted boots. Yeehaw-lloween just got real!
18. coupley ghosts
Paint two pumpkins as a couple of adorable ghosts holding hands. Add blushing cheeks, little hearts, and maybe even a romantic moonlight background.
19. pink leopard prints
Unleash your inner wild side by painting leopard spots on a pink pumpkin. It’s cute, fierce, and totally Instagram-worthy.
20. santa pumpkin
Halloween might feel early for Santa vibes, but… why not? Paint your pumpkin jolly red, add a fluffy cotton beard, and plop on a painted Santa hat.
21. pink pumpkins
Paint your pumpkins in shades of pink as a thoughtful, empowering way to decorate and raise awareness. Add a cute ribbon symbol or glittery hearts for extra meaning.
22. Stitch pumpkin
Remember Stitch from Lilo & Stitch? Bring him to life on your pumpkin! Paint big blue ears, his cheerful face, and maybe even a little Hawaiian flower. Your pumpkin will scream, “Ohana means family.”
23. Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga, dude! Paint each of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on your pumpkins. Use green as the base color, add their signature colored masks, and finish with their fierce stare.
24. cute cow
Paint your pumpkin white with black spots, add some pink for the snout and ears, and voilà, an adorable cow pumpkin. It’s a wholesome fall farm look that’s just udderly adorable.
25. piggy & cock
Paint a pink piggy pumpkin with floppy ears and a cheeky smile. Then, try a rooster pumpkin with bright orange and red feathers cock. They’ll look so cute together on your doorstep!
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