With only a few days left until Halloween it’s time to think about carving pumpkins or NOT.
I have never been great at carving and have always left it up to the kids to do, so when I recently came across these great ideas for a no carve pumpkin I was delighted. These decorated pumpkins would be great for inside your home if you were having a party this coming weekend or for a covered porch where they could sit out if it was to rain.
The product that really caught my eye was Japanese washi tape. Washi tape is similar to masking tape but available in tons of colors and patterns. I sourced it out and it can be found at The Paper Place at 887 Queen St. West. This store looks amazing, and certainly worth a visit if you are a craft person. They also have an online store too.
Here are a few ideas. This first one is done with washi tape, and the others are done with sequins, buttons and candy. Give them a try they look fantastic!
Washi Tape Pumpkins
- Pumpkin
- Dry erase marker in a light color
By using your marker create a design, which will be your guide for placing the tape.Once you have your design, apply the tape to the pumpkin. Use long strips, piecing together short strips will make it look messy.
For these designs begin at the stem and run the tape down the side of the pumpkin erasing the marker as you adhere the strips to the pumpkin. Finish at the bottom of the pumpkin. Once the verticals are done put the tape around the circumference. Using the colors that you like best.
Candy/Buttons Pumpkin
- Pumpkin
- Dry eraser
- Hot glue gun
- Licorice pinwheels and Jelly Beans
Using dry eraser in a light color, create a design and then with a hot glue gun adhere your black and white licorice pinwheels, Jelly beans and assorted candy,remember to let them dry for a couple of hours, and not to let the kids eat them afterwards.
Sequin Pumpkins
- Pumpkin
- Sequins on a string in silver or black
- Scissors
- Straight pins with Black Heads
- Silver Cord
Measure pumpkin from stem to bottom center. Use this measurement to cut lengths for pumpkin strings.Using the pumpkin seams as guides, pin the sequins vertically on the pumpkin alternating colors.Wrap the stem with silver cord, use the pins to secure the ends.
These would be great on your dining room table with branches of bittersweet running through it and candles or on various steps outside your door.
Enjoy your no mess halloween!
Nicola Bishop
bishop4086@rogers.com
Loved all the washi tape pumpkins I saw popping up online this Halloween. For your readers who aren’t located in Toronto, Omiyage.ca sells washi tape online – and other great Japanese goods too.