Handy DIY Halloween pumpkin hack that is so much easier than carving

Originally, Irish people would carve faces into vegetables like turnips to warn off the fae at this time of year, and when the tradition was brought to America, it began to be adapted to carvings on pumpkins

Halloween is just around the corner, and decorating and following old tradition is one of the most fun and exciting parts - aside from taking the little ones trick or treating of course.

Pumpkin carving is an old tradition that started here in Ireland. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker, colder months of the year, symbolising a threshold between the living and the deceased, which is why ghosts and ghouls are so associated with the occasion.

Originally, Irish people would carve faces into vegetables like turnips to warn off the fae at this time of year, and when the tradition was brought to America, it began to be adapted to carvings on pumpkin.

Read more:Halloween 2024: Five pumpkin picking patches around Ireland that still have tickets available

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Carving a pumpkin is an essential part of Halloween, but for kids, using the necessary tools might be beyond their abilities.

“Pumpkin painting” searches on Pinterest have surged by 40% since last October, and this kid-friendly option for decorating pumpkins is a great way to use up old pots of paint and paint samples.

It's also going viral on TikTok, racking up millions of views, as The Paint Shed explains a budget-friendly way to partake.

Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed explains how best to use any leftover paint this Halloween.

“Freshly harvested or store-bought pumpkins can last about a month at room temperature, and when stored in a cool, dry place, their lifespan extends to 2-3 months," he said.

"In contrast, carved pumpkins typically rot within days to a week after being cut. That’s why a paint project can be a much more enjoyable crafting choice this season. You get more longevity with your creation!"

Repurposing old paint from past projects is the low-cost way to take on the trend.

Different kinds of pumpkin decorations trend each Autumn, so try painting these trends onto real pumpkins instead of buying plastic decorations for a more eco-friendly option.

Choose the right paint

“To ensure that your pumpkin paint job lasts as long as the pumpkin, use a water-resistant paint. This is a great opportunity to use up leftover wall paint from previous DIY projects, but be sure to stir the paint before using it if it’s been stored for a while.”

Prepare your pumpkin

“Before you start painting, wash your pumpkin with soap and water and let it dry completely. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface.”

Use the right tools

“Consider the brushes you have available before starting on your design. Different types of brushes and sponges can be used to create different effects. For example, a small brush is perfect for smaller details, while a large brush will work better for covering large areas. Sponges can be used to add texture or cut into shapes to create a stamp.”

Don’t be afraid to experiment

“There are no rules when it comes to pumpkin painting, have fun and be creative with your design choices.”

Happy painting!

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