October is here, which means no-carve pumpkin projects are officially in season. I held off sharing this tutorial until September was over — and now it’s the perfect time to show you a super-simple, no-carve idea that’s full of personality.
The twist: you’ll make your own custom paint markers so you can match any color palette you like — emerald green, rust orange, mauve pink, or any shade you imagine. I teamed up with Testors to create this project and I’ll walk you through the steps below so you can make your own no-carve pumpkins using custom-colored paint pens.
If you’re into color like I am, the idea of mixing custom marker colors is incredibly appealing. I often spend ages hunting for a paint pen that matches what I picture — if I can find it at all. This kit means you can mix your exact hue and load it into a marker, saving time and giving you full control over your palette.
Beyond pumpkins, the make-your-own marker kit is great for many DIYs: hand-lettered clutches, dip-dyed watercolor stationery, custom envelope liners and more. For this project, it’s perfect for writing Halloween messages and adding decorative details without carving.
Materials
- Testors Acrylic Make-Your-Own Marker
- Pumpkins (I used faux pumpkins from JoAnn’s, but real ones work too)
- Testors Acrylic Airbrush Paint (choose the shades you plan to mix)
- A bowl or paint palette for mixing
Instructions
1. Mix two or more colors of acrylic airbrush paint until you reach the shade you want. If you need help deciding what to mix, use an online color-mixing reference or consult a simple color wheel to guide combinations.
2. Assemble the marker by inserting the marker nib according to the kit instructions (they’re also printed on the packaging).
3. Use a syringe or dropper to transfer the mixed paint into the back chamber of the marker. Secure the cap, then shake the marker well for about 30 seconds so the paint blends evenly.
4. Press the tip of the marker down on a hard surface until paint flows through the nib, then write or draw directly on your pumpkin. Experiment with phrases, playful sayings, or simple illustrations to give each pumpkin a modern, hand-lettered look.
Here are a few phrases I used to get started: “HAUNTING YOUR DREAMS WITH HALLOWEEN MEMES,” “ALL ABOUT THAT TRICK OR TREAT LIFE,” and “LUV YOU BOO.” Short, cheeky lines fit nicely on pumpkins and look great in bold hand-lettering.
Photography: Brittni Mehlhoff
Lettering: Cori Maass
Assistance: Jess Smith
Do you prefer no-carve pumpkin projects or carving? I like a bit of both, but when it comes down to convenience and clean-up, I usually reach for the no-carve option.
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This post was created in partnership with Testors. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep creative blogs like this one going.