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Fall is honestly the best excuse to get creative with pumpkins—and not just for carving jack-o’-lanterns. These orange gourds can turn into all sorts of craft projects that warm up your home decor.
Whether you’re in the mood to paint, wrap, or totally transform a pumpkin, there’s no shortage of ways to make something beautiful for autumn.
I’ve rounded up 15 creative pumpkin craft ideas that are great for both kids and adults, using stuff you probably already have lying around.
From mason jar projects and string art to succulent planters and glittery pumpkins, there’s something here for quick 15-minute fun or more involved weekend projects. Each one is a little celebration of the season—and honestly, you’ll want to keep these decorations out all fall.
1. Painted Pumpkin Mason Jars
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I love making painted pumpkin mason jars for fall decor. They’re a hit with both kids and adults.
I mix orange paint with a bit of baking soda for extra texture, but regular acrylic or chalk paint works if that’s what you have.
Battery-operated tea lights inside give them a cozy glow. Honestly, these jars make awesome hostess gifts or centerpieces.
2. Pumpkin String Art
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I always enjoy making pumpkin string art—it’s super simple and kind of meditative. All you really need is a wood board, nails, string, and a pumpkin template.
I hammer nails around the outline, then zigzag string between them to fill in the shape.
It’s a great project if you’re new to crafting. The finished piece looks surprisingly good on a mantel or shelf all season.
3. Yarn-Wrapped Mini Pumpkins
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Yarn-wrapped mini pumpkins are so easy and weirdly comforting to make. Just grab foam pumpkins from the dollar store, orange yarn, and some hot glue.
Wrap the yarn all around, gluing here and there to secure it. They’re cute, cozy, and work in pretty much any room.
4. Glitter-Dipped Pumpkins
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I never get tired of glitter-dipped pumpkins—they add just the right amount of sparkle to any fall setup. You paint the pumpkin, then dip the bottom in glitter for a glam look.
Kids and adults both get a kick out of this one. Craft glue and fine glitter work best, in my experience.
5. Pumpkin Succulent Planters
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Pumpkin succulent planters are one of my favorite fall crafts. They look amazing as centerpieces or out on the porch.
I carve out a medium pumpkin and tuck a small container inside for the dirt.
Then I fill it with potting soil and plant a mix of succulents. Mixing different shapes and colors makes it way more interesting.
6. Pumpkin Candle Holders
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Pumpkin candle holders are so simple and always look good. You can use real or foam pumpkins—whatever you have on hand.
I cut a hole in the top just big enough for the candle so it sits snugly. That’s really it.
7. Pumpkin Tissue Paper Lanterns
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These tissue paper lanterns are a go-to for crafting with kids. All you need is orange tissue paper, glue, and a mason jar or any glass container.
I cut the tissue into little squares and glued them on the jar in layers.
Drop in a battery tea light for a safe, warm glow. They’re great for adding a pop of color to your fall decor.
8. Mini Pumpkin Chalkboard Labels
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Mini pumpkins make adorable chalkboard labels for fall. I paint them with chalkboard paint and let them dry.
They’re perfect as place cards at dinner. I just write each guest’s name in chalk.
I also use them to label dishes at parties or mark different things around the house. Super versatile.
9. Decoupage Pumpkin Art
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Decoupage pumpkins are a fun way to turn plain pumpkins into art. Both kids and adults can get into this one.
I use fabric scraps, colorful paper, or napkins—whatever’s around. I brush glue on a small section, then smooth the material down.
10. Pumpkin Yarn Pom-Poms
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Pumpkin pom-poms are just fun and easy. Grab some orange yarn and a pom-pom maker (or improvise with cardboard if you’re feeling thrifty).
They make cute, fluffy decorations. I like making a few different sizes for a little variety.
Kids can totally help with this one. That yarny texture instantly gives any room a cozy autumn vibe.
11. Pumpkin Carving with LED Lights
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I always reach for LED lights for carved pumpkins. They’re way safer than candles and last longer, too.
After carving, I tuck battery-powered LED strips inside. The bright colors make the designs stand out at night.
You can find LEDs in orange, purple, green—even color-changing ones if you want to get fancy.
12. Pressed Leaf Pumpkin Decoupage
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Pressed leaf pumpkins are a beautiful way to show off fall’s colors. I collect leaves from the yard and press them flat in books for a few days.
Once they’re dry, I use craft glue to stick the leaves onto a pumpkin. They make a lovely mosaic pattern.
13. Pumpkin Paper Garland
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Pumpkin paper garlands are about as easy and budget-friendly as it gets. All you need is orange paper, scissors, and some string.
I cut out pumpkin shapes—some big, some small, for a little interest. Punch a hole in each and thread them on the string.
Kids can help with the cutting and threading. Hang it up and you’ve got instant fall cheer.
14. Pumpkin Stencil Painting
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Stencil painting on pumpkins is my go-to when I want crisp, pro-looking designs. Stencils help kids and adults alike get perfect shapes.
Letter stencils are great for writing fall messages. There are tons of free printable stencils online, too.
I tape the stencil down tight before painting. That way, the paint doesn’t sneak under the edges.
15. Rustic Burlap Pumpkin Wraps
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I love making burlap pumpkin wraps—they’re honestly so easy. All you really need are some dollar store pumpkins and a bit of burlap fabric.
I just grab the burlap, wrap it around those foam or plastic pumpkins, and tie it off with twine or maybe a dab of hot glue if things get stubborn.
The result? Instantly rustic, super cozy pumpkins that look like you spent way more time than you actually did.
