When pumpkin decorating contest season rolls around, I get a little giddy thinking about all the ways to turn an ordinary pumpkin into a jaw-dropping centerpiece. If you’re ready to wow the judges (and your neighbors), I’ve rounded up my favorite creative ideas—some are classics with a twist, and others are total showstoppers.
1. Glitzy Metallic Drip Pumpkin
One of my go-to contest tricks is painting a pumpkin with metallic paint and letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic, modern look. The way the paint catches the light always gets people talking—it’s bold, artsy, and so easy to make your own.
You might give these a try:
- Metallic Acrylic Paint Set: Elevate your pumpkin decor with vibrant metallic paints, perfect for creating dynamic drip effects.
- Paint Brushes for Detailing: Get precise and clean lines on your pumpkin with these high-quality fine-tip brushes.
- Protective Craft Mat: Keep your workspace clean and safe with a durable craft mat for all your projects.
2. Unicorn Magic Pumpkin
Transform your pumpkin into a unicorn by gluing on a homemade horn, felt ears, and painting dreamy lashes and blush. I’ve made these for kids’ parties, and trust me, they’re always a crowd favorite—no two unicorns are ever the same!
Useful items to consider:
- Craft Foam Cones for Unicorn Horns: Create magical unicorn horns with these easy-to-use foam cones. Perfect for crafting creativity!
- Assorted Felt Sheets Pack: Bring your unicorns to life using vibrantly colored felt for ears and decorations.
- Acrylic Paint Set: Add dreamy lashes and blush with high-quality acrylic paints. Perfect for precise detailing!
3. Pressed Flower Pumpkin
Give your pumpkin a romantic, folk-art vibe with pressed flowers and leaves arranged in a pretty pattern. I love how the natural textures pop against the smooth pumpkin skin—it’s like bringing the whole garden inside.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Pressed Flower Kit: Create stunning designs with a pressed flower kit, perfect for adding elegance to your pumpkin.
- Craft Glue: Securely attach flowers with quality craft glue, ensuring your design stays intact and beautiful.
- Clear Protective Sealant: Protect your pumpkin art with a clear sealant, making sure it lasts throughout the season.
4. Galaxy Swirl Pumpkin
Swirl together deep purples, blues, and silver paint for a cosmic, out-of-this-world pumpkin. This was a huge hit at my last workshop—splattering on a few white stars makes it look like you plucked it right from the night sky.
A few suggestions:
- Acrylic Paint Set: Create vibrant galaxy swirls with this set, perfect for deep purples, blues, and silver hues.
- Paint Splatter Brushes: Easily add white star splatters for a night-sky effect with these versatile brushes.
- Protective Table Cover: Keep your workspace clean while you create your cosmic pumpkin masterpiece with this protective cover.
5. Feathered Fantasy Pumpkin
Cover your pumpkin with a cascade of faux feathers for a whimsical, boho-chic display. I once made an orange-and-green combo, and it looked like a little firebird on my table!
Give these a look:
- Assorted Faux Feathers: Enhance your pumpkin with colorful faux feathers for a whimsical, boho-chic autumn display.
- Craft Adhesive Glue: Securely attach decorations to your pumpkin with strong, long-lasting craft adhesive glue.
- Pumpkin Decoration Kit: Transform your pumpkin with a complete decorating kit, perfect for creative autumn projects.
6. Pumpkin Gumball Machine
Turn your pumpkin into a playful gumball machine using colorful pom-poms for the ‘gumballs’ and a painted-on window. It’s an unexpected, nostalgic look that always makes people smile—I actually won a local contest with this idea last fall.
These products might help:
- Colorful Pom-Poms Assortment: Brighten your pumpkin gumball machine with these vibrant pom-poms for a playful nostalgic touch.
- Acrylic Craft Paint Set: Paint a realistic gumball machine window using this versatile and vibrant acrylic paint set.
- Paint Brushes Variety Pack: Achieve detailed designs on your pumpkin with these high-quality paint brushes in various sizes.
7. Diorama Pumpkin Scene
Carve a large opening and create a tiny scene inside your pumpkin—think fairy garden, woodland critters, or even a miniature haunted house. Setting up these little worlds is so much fun, and they totally steal the show at any contest.
You might like:
- Miniature Woodland Critter Figurines: Add charm to your pumpkin diorama with adorable mini critters, perfect for a whimsical touch.
- Battery-Powered LED Fairy Lights: Illuminate your pumpkin scene and captivate viewers with enchanting LED fairy lights.
- Miniature House Kits: Craft a captivating tiny house inside your pumpkin for a magical diorama centerpiece.
8. Nature’s Critter Pumpkin
Gather acorns, leaves, and twigs to turn your pumpkin into an adorable animal—like a hedgehog or owl. The best part? No two creatures ever look alike, and you get to go foraging for supplies in the crisp fall air.
A few things you might like:
- Decorative Acorn Set: Enhance your pumpkin with realistic acorns to capture the essence of autumn’s charm.
- Artificial Autumn Leaves: Add vibrant fall colors to your pumpkin project with reusable artificial leaves.
- Crafting Twigs Bundle: Incorporate natural-looking twigs to create unique textures on your critter pumpkin.
9. Chic Washi Tape Pumpkin
Wrap your pumpkin in colorful washi tape for a quick, mess-free pattern that’s both modern and fun. I’ve used this method to rescue bruised pumpkins, and no one’s the wiser—they just see the cute geometric patterns!
Products that could assist:
- Colorful Washi Tape Set: Wrap your pumpkin in vibrant patterns with this versatile washi tape set. Make it stylish!
- Gold Metallic Washi Tape: Add a touch of elegance with metallic washi tape. Perfect for that chic pumpkin design!
- Geometric Patterned Washi Tape: Create stunning geometric designs easily with these patterned tapes. Upgrade your decor instantly!
10. Thumbtack-Studded Pumpkin
Create eye-catching patterns or even words by carefully pressing gold or silver thumbtacks into your pumpkin. It’s surprisingly therapeutic, and the finished look is like a little piece of designer art for your doorstep.
Consider these options:
- Gold and Silver Thumbtacks: Transform your pumpkin with elegant patterns using these gold and silver thumbtacks. A designer touch!
- Decorative Pumpkin Carving Kit: Enhance your pumpkin decorating skills with this comprehensive carving kit. Perfect for innovative designs!
- Crafting Pattern Templates: Get creative with crafting pattern templates. Ideal for making intricate thumbtack designs on pumpkins.
11. Monster Mouth Pumpkin
Cut or draw a wide, toothy grin and add googly eyes or even pipe cleaner tentacles for a quirky monster. I always go overboard with the teeth—because who can resist a silly, scary grin?
Maybe worth checking out:
- Pack of Googly Eyes: Bring your pumpkin to life with fun googly eyes. Perfect for whimsical, eye-catching designs!
- Pipe Cleaners Craft Set: Unleash creativity with pipe cleaners. Easily add quirky features and tentacles to your pumpkin!
- Pumpkin Carving Tools Set: Carve intricate, toothy grins effortlessly with specialized pumpkin carving tools. Engage your artistic side!
12. Cow or Barn Animal Pumpkin
Paint and glue on felt or fabric to create a friendly animal face—cows, pigs, or sheep are all adorable. One year, I made a whole barnyard set for my niece’s school, and they were a big hit with the kids.
Try these:
- Set of Acrylic Paints: Unleash creativity with vibrant acrylic paints, perfect for crafting adorable pumpkin animal faces.
- Assorted Craft Felt Sheets: Craft charming animal features using colorful felt sheets—ideal for decorating your pumpkin masterpiece.
- Multi-Purpose Glue for Crafts: Securely attach embellishments to your pumpkin with this versatile craft glue—ensures lasting hold.
13. Cupcake Liner Textured Pumpkin
Layer cupcake liners all over your pumpkin for a fluffy, ruffled look that’s super unique. I love how this adds movement and depth—you can mix colors or stick with a single hue for more drama.
Possibly handy products:
- Assorted Cupcake Liners: Mix and match colors for a unique, textured pumpkin design with these assorted cupcake liners.
- Hot Glue Gun: Easily attach cupcake liners to your pumpkin securely with this reliable hot glue gun.
- Craft Paint Set: Enhance your pumpkin project by adding additional colors with this versatile craft paint set.
14. Witch’s Hat Pumpkin
Top your pumpkin with a handmade witch’s hat and add painted-on or glued facial features for instant personality. This is my go-to for Halloween parties—bonus points if you add a little broom and cape!
Might be a good match:
- DIY Witch Hat Craft Kit: Craft a spooky witch hat for your pumpkin with this easy-to-use DIY kit.
- Removable Pumpkin Face Stickers: Enhance your pumpkin’s personality with these fun, peel-and-stick facial feature decals.
- Mini Broomstick Decoration: Add a charming touch with this mini broomstick, perfect for witch-themed pumpkin displays.
15. Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin
Use glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers to make your pumpkin come alive when the lights go out. I love the look on people’s faces when they see my creation glowing from across the yard at night.
Check these products out:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Paint: Illuminate your pumpkin with vibrant, glowing designs that captivate the night. Easy to apply and durable.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Stickers: Transform your pumpkin with glow-in-the-dark stickers. Simple, fun, and perfect for creative designs.
- UV Black Light Flashlight: Enhance your glow effect instantly with a UV flashlight for an even more spectacular display.
16. Sugar Skull Painted Pumpkin
Celebrate with bold, bright sugar skull designs—think swirls, flowers, and dots in every color. I always go wild with the details; it’s a joyful, vibrant way to stand out in any contest.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Acrylic Paint Set: Unleash your creativity with vibrant acrylic paints for outstanding sugar skull designs.
- Fine Detail Paint Brushes: Create intricate designs using fine detail brushes for your pumpkin masterpiece.
- Paint Markers Set: Add precision to your designs with colorful paint markers for detailed sugar skull art.
17. Abstract Splatter Art Pumpkin
Flick and splatter acrylic paint over your pumpkin for an abstract masterpiece that’s pure fun. This is my favorite technique for group decorating—everyone gets messy and the results are totally unpredictable (in the best way).
Some ideas to consider:
- Acrylic Paint Set: Enhance your pumpkin art with vibrant, long-lasting acrylic colors that are easy to use.
- Paint Brushes Assortment: Discover the perfect brush for splattering techniques with this versatile variety pack.
- Protective Plastic Drop Cloth: Keep your space clean while splattering paint with this easy-to-use drop cloth.
18. Pumpkin Wearing a Mask
Dress up your pumpkin for a masquerade ball with a handmade mask and maybe a feather or two. Every year, there’s at least one at my contest that’s so chic, it looks like it’s ready for a fancy party.
Explore these options:
- Decorative Feather Pack: Elevate your pumpkin’s style with these elegant feathers. Add a touch of flair today.
- DIY Lace Mask Kit: Create a stunning lace mask for your pumpkin. Unleash your creativity with this easy kit.
- Satin Ribbon Set: Enhance your pumpkin design with luxurious satin ribbons. Perfect for adding an elegant touch.
19. Melted Crayon Drip Pumpkin
Glue crayons to the top and melt them with a hairdryer for a rainbow drip effect that’s mesmerizing. I love watching the colors merge and flow—each pumpkin turns out totally unique.
A few choices to try:
- Pack of Craft Crayons: Unleash your creativity with a colorful crayon set, perfect for vibrant pumpkin drips.
- Compact Hair Dryer: Use a reliable hair dryer to melt crayons and create a mesmerizing drip effect.
- Hot Glue Gun: Securely attach crayons to your pumpkin using an easy-to-use hot glue gun.
20. Pumpkin Stack Skeleton
Stack two or three pumpkins, paint them white, and add black bones and a skull face for a skeleton tower. My nieces helped me with this last year, and the result was both spooky and adorable.
A few relevant products:
- White Craft Paint for Pumpkins: Use high-quality white paint for a smooth, even base on your pumpkin stack creation.
- Black Acrylic Paint Pen: Easily draw detailed skeleton features with a precise black acrylic paint pen.
- Pumpkin Carving/Stacking Kit: Ensure stability and precision with a specialized pumpkin carving and stacking kit.
21. Award Ribbon Pumpkin
Give your pumpkin a winner’s edge by attaching a big, bold award ribbon and a hand-lettered ‘Best in Show’ tag. Even if you don’t win, your pumpkin will look like it did—this always gets a chuckle from judges.
May just do the trick:
- Decorative Award Ribbons: Add flair to your pumpkin with vibrant decorative ribbons. Perfect for any contest entry!
- Customizable Best in Show Tags: Personalize your pumpkin with stylish ‘Best in Show’ tags. Impress judges instantly!
- Premium Pumpkin Decorating Kit: Elevate your pumpkin design with a complete decorating kit. Everything you need for perfection!
22. Cactus or Succulent Pumpkin
Paint your pumpkin green, add white ‘spines’ and glue on faux flowers to create a cactus lookalike. I’ve made mini ones for my studio window—they’re quirky and surprisingly chic.
These products might be useful:
- Green Acrylic Paint: Transform your pumpkin into a cactus lookalike with vibrant, easy-to-apply green paint.
- White Paint Marker: Add realistic spines effortlessly to your pumpkin with a versatile, precise white paint marker.
- Faux Floral Decorations: Enhance your pumpkin design with colorful faux flowers for a chic, blooming finish.
23. Pumpkin Hot Air Balloon
Hang a decorated pumpkin in a small basket with colorful ‘balloon’ stripes for a hot air balloon illusion. The first time I tried this, my guests actually did a double-take—it’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
Some handy options:
- Wicker Basket: Create the perfect floating illusion with a charming wicker basket for your pumpkin airship.
- Acrylic Paint Set: Add vibrant stripes to your pumpkin with this versatile acrylic paint set for a vivid effect.
- Decorative Rope: Secure your hot air balloon basket with durable and stylish decorative rope for an authentic look.
