This contributor post was written by Beth of Parsimonia. Beth is contributing to papernstitch for the first time and will be sharing DIY projects every other Friday to inspire your weekend crafting.
Halloween has a way of sneaking up on me each year. With only three days left until the neighborhood is full of costumed kids, I’ve got the most important item covered—candy—but my porch decorations are sorely lacking. If you don’t want to be remembered as the “lame” house on the block, now’s the time to focus on porch-ready pumpkins and quick decorating ideas that make a big impact.
To save money (and accept the mild thrill of last-minute shopping), I usually wait until the last possible moment to buy pumpkins, when stores drop their prices. Because time is limited, I’ve put together five fast, stylish pumpkin projects that will transform your porch without requiring hours of work.
(above) Washi Tape Pumpkin
Embroidered Pumpkins
Melted Crayon Pumpkins
Decoupaged Pumpkin
“Polly the Pucker Up Pumpkin” & Date
Below is a brief overview of each idea so you can pick one that suits your time, supplies and style.
Washi Tape Pumpkin
Cover a clean pumpkin with strips of washi tape in coordinating colors or patterns. This method requires no cutting or carving, and the tape peels off easily when the season is over. Use vertical stripes for a classic look or create chevrons and geometric patterns for a modern twist. Add a burlap or ribbon bow around the stem for extra charm.
Embroidered Pumpkins
Soft fabric pumpkins or real pumpkins wrapped with fabric are perfect for sewing simple embroidered designs. Use an embroidery hoop on fabric panels, stitch on leaves, faces, or lettering, then adhere or tie the fabric to the pumpkin. This project combines cozy, handmade texture with autumnal motifs and works well for entryways or a grouping on your porch steps.
Melted Crayon Pumpkins
Melt crayons over a real or faux pumpkin using a hair dryer or heat gun to create flowing, colorful drips. Arrange crayons by hue around the stem, secure them with low-heat glue if needed, and heat until the wax cascades down the sides. The result is eye-catching and playful—great for a more whimsical seasonal display.
Decoupaged Pumpkin
Use découpage medium to apply patterned paper, napkins or fabric to a pumpkin. Smooth the material as you work and seal with a top coat for durability. Decoupage allows for endless customization—floral prints for a gentle, vintage look, or bold graphic prints for a contemporary feel. This no-carve option is ideal for households with small children and creates a polished, artistic effect.
Character Pumpkin: “Polly the Pucker Up Pumpkin”
Create a playful character pumpkin by adding simple facial features with paint, fabric, or glued-on elements like felt lips or button eyes. Give your pumpkin a name and personality—this makes it more memorable and fun for trick-or-treaters. Place your character among more traditional pumpkins to create a charming vignette.
All of these projects are fast, affordable and require minimal tools. Mix and match techniques—try a decoupaged pumpkin next to a washi-taped one, or pair an embroidered fabric pumpkin with a melted crayon for contrast. Arrange the finished pumpkins on your porch with a few extra elements like hay bales, lanterns, a welcome mat, or a pail for treats to create an inviting entry.
Beth writes Parsimonia: Secondhand With Style, where she shares her love of thrifting, simple recipes, sustainable style and DIY projects. She lives in Saint Louis with her husband, a fuzzy dog and big creative ambitions. Follow her on Twitter at @SecondHandStyle to see more of her projects and finds.