Few fall activities are as fun and festive as pumpkin carving—and it's not just about Halloween! Of course, jack-o'-lanterns are a fun part of any fall porch décor setup. But pumpkin carving is also a kid-friendly project that keeps the little ones occupied. Plus, it yields delicious pumpkin seeds! If you know how to carve a pumpkin, it's easy to try lots of different designs.
You certainly can go for the classic toothy grin and triangle-shaped eyes. But, if that no longer feels quite as thrilling as it did when you were a kid, you're in the right place. After all, if you're going to go to the trouble of whipping out a brand-new pumpkin carving kit, you might as well have an epic pumpkin to show for it at the end. Here, you'll find pumpkin decorating ideas that are far more exciting. From simple drilled hole designs to that are easy enough for anyone to tackle to tall topiaries that show off all your skills, there is something for everyone.
Carving experts and beginners at pumpkin crafts alike will find at least one idea here to tackle this October. So visit your local pumpkin patch and pick out the best one. Then, all you need to do is throw down some newspaper and sharpen your tools! Or be mess free with some faux pumpkin options. Either way, you'll display your newest outdoor Halloween decorations proudly in no time at all!
1
Pumpkin Votive Candles
Grab a bunch of mini pumpkins and get carving, because you're about to make the most seasonal candles! The great thing about pouring wax directly into the pumpkins instead of inserting pre-made candles is that you don't have to be as precise when carving the hole.
Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois.
2
Pumpkin Candle Holders
Another lit idea? Make candle holders with added greenery to create a stunning centerpiece. You can carve real or faux mini pumpkins for this project and use dried arrangements to make them last longer.
3
Succulent Mini Planters
And we thought mini pumpkins were cute enough already! Here, they're transformed into planters for succulents, which are simply tucked into the carved-out top.
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4
Large Succulent Planter
Love the look of the mini succulent planters but want something a little bigger for a fall centerpiece? Simply upgrade to a larger gourd! This would look stunning all season long.
5
Metallic Floral Arrangement
Speaking of centerpieces, using metallic pumpkins creates the most amazing creations! They look just as festive small as they do large. Make them now and keep them out for your Thanksgiving tablescape.
6
Add Dry Ice
Especially if you like to carve on the creepier side, adding dry ice is a spooky detail is perfect for parties. Just make sure you read up on how to use dry ice first to stay safe. It only lasts a few hours, so make sure you use it right as guests arrive.
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7
Rose Gold Rhinestone Candles
If you love the idea of making votive candle holders but want a little oomph, add some rose gold paint and rhinestones! These small details add so much glitz and glamor without a ton of effort.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
8
Cross-Stitch Pumpkin
If you want a more subtle way to carve, try a cross-stitch technique! After hollowing out a pumpkin, you drill holes and loop yarn thorough for a unique look. Go for any color combo you like best!
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
9
Lighted Eyes Pumpkin
When you light up googly eyes, it doesn't matter what else you do to a pumpkin. It will be so kooky as is! The secret is to use ping pong balls and LED votive candles.
Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.
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10
Floral Pumpkin
This gorgeous gathering of blooms may not look like like a carving, but it does require a little surgery to make spaces to insert the stems. It just takes simple drilled holes, though, so it's quite easy to recreate.
Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.
11
Purple Pumpkins
Instead of changing up the carvings themselves, change the color of your pumpkins instead! How adorable is this mix of purple pumpkins? It will be a unique twist for the season.
Get the tutorial at PMQ for Two.
12
Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
This may be the tastiest way to carve mini pumpkins we've ever seen! Filling the centers with creamy crème brûlée will wow guests at any gathering.
Get the tutorial at Spoon Fork Bacon.
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13
Halloween Pumpkin House
We can't get over the adorable little details on this pumpkin house. From the acorn room to the colorful shutters and door, it's carved and decorated to perfection, down to the wreath and the little candy corn knob.
Get the tutorial at Essy Jae.
14
Pumpkin Fairy House Village
Why stop at one cute house when you can build a whole village? Each one can be a different size and shape, and then add little details like ladders and fences to bring the whole scene to life.
Get the tutorial at Life Is a Party.
15
Shadow Box Pumpkins
The secret to these surprisingly easy shadow boxes is to buy flickering LED votive candles. They light up the back to highlight the spooky scene. You can add a few out front for good measure.
Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects.
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16
Mickey Mouse Pumpkin
Disney fans, this one is for you! All you need is two little pumpkins for the ears and some basic carving skills for the face, and you've got everyone's favorite cartoon mouse.
17
Haunted House Carving
If you've got great skills at carving, give this spooky scene a try! It's a little more intricate, but doesn't it light up so well? Your neighbors will be so impressed!
18
Pumpkin Fairy House
Okay, this is hands down the cutest idea we've seen in a long time! It requires a faux pumpkin so it lasts longer and some decorating skills, but you can create your own little garden gnome play house!
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
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19
Carve Other Gourds
We think this is a gourd-eous idea! Choose other types of gourds other than pumpkins or other veggies and fruit for that matter. A few simple carvings is all they need to make a statement.
20
Pumpkin Pi
Get it? Pumpkin pi? Math geeks and bakers alike will find this idea hilarious! Simply carve in the symbol and then place in a pie pan to set up the whole joke.
Micaela Bahn
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
