If your front porch is in need of a glow-up (literally), a decorated pumpkin is the perfect match. Whether you enjoy the classic tradition of carved jack-o'-lanterns, or want to try something new and unexpected with your pumpkins this year, there is a wealth of creative ideas and inspiration to help you craft the perfect pumpkin using paint, gold leaf, and more. Read on for our guide on some of the many ways you can spookify your pumpkins…

Carving

You don’t need extravagant tools to carve a unique jack-o-lantern— all that is required is a sturdy serrated knife or crafting knife, a claw or scoop to hollow out the pumpkin, and a writing implement or toothpick to trace your design.  Experts recommend starting with a firm, symmetrical gourd with a sturdy stem, as well as cutting out a hole from the bottom rather than the top so your pumpkin won’t roll. Map out your chosen design on paper first and trace it onto the pumpkin in a dotted line pattern with a pencil or toothpick for an easy carve. If your jack-o-lantern is candlelit, cut a small chimney in the top to vent excess smoke and try sprinkling cinnamon inside the lid to make your lighted decoration smell like pumpkin pie.

Painting

For an endlessly customizable and easy-to-decorate pumpkin, painting is the way to go. From sleek black and white pumpkins to gourds with every shade of the rainbow, every design style can be easily recreated for a high-end piece of Halloween decor. Acrylic paints applied with a variety of brush sizes are the standard for ensuring most designs display and adhere well to your pumpkin, though you can also opt for spray paints and stencils or masking tape for applying your designs, or try permanent markers and metallic pens for more intricate designs. For a challenge, try creating a sleek marbled or drip-painted pumpkin using watercolors.

Mixed Media

Stand out from the crowd and wow your neighbors by trying some of these out-of-the box pumpkin decorating ideas that make the most out of mixed media. Contemporary pumpkins can be overlaid with string lights, sequins, or gold foil designs. For a more whimsical touch, use more tactile items like waxed string for a cross-stitch pumpkin, or pipe cleaners to transform your gourds into mini spiders. The sky is the limit to what you can use for a truly unique jack-o-lantern!

Need more inspiration for crafting your perfect pumpkin? Check out our full Pinterest board below.