Cute Storybook Pumpkins to Paint (No-Carve DIY)

Bring your pumpkins to life this fall with hand-painted storybook faces. This easy, no-carve pumpkin craft uses simple acrylic paints and basic brushes to create charming character pumpkins inspired by classic children’s illustrations. Whether you’re decorating a porch, classroom, or craft table, these sweet designs are fun for beginners and a great alternative to traditional carved pumpkins for Halloween.

Bright storybook character pumpkins are a fun, family-friendly way to decorate for Fall or Halloween — and there’s no carving or pumpkin mess involved. This project uses simple acrylic craft paint and brushes, and the results are cheerful and nostalgic.

Supplies Needed

• White pumpkins (or give your pumpkins a white primer base first)
• Acrylic craft paint (metallic or regular)
• Black paint or a black paint pen for outlining
• Assorted paint brushes (dollar-store brushes work fine)
• Paper towels
• Water cup for brush cleaning
• Clear acrylic gloss varnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Pumpkins
   Wipe pumpkins with a damp cloth to remove dirt or residue.
   Let dry completely.
2. Choose Character Faces
   Pick simple storybook faces you like.
   Search online for reference pictures to guide your design.
3. Light Sketch (Recommended)
   Lightly sketch the face with a pencil, or freehand if comfortable.
4. Paint Base Colors
   Start by painting the largest color areas first (face, ears, nose, etc.).
   Use thin layers of paint; acrylic dries quickly.
   Allow one color to dry before painting next to it to prevent smudging.
5. Add Details and Outlines
   Once the color is dry, add facial features and outlines with black paint or a paint pen.
   Fine brushes help for eyebrows, eyes, mouth, and small curves.
   Bold outlines make the cartoon style pop.
6. Dry Completely
   Let pumpkins dry for 24 hours before sealing.
7. Seal with Gloss Varnish
   Brush on a thin coat of clear acrylic varnish.
   This protects the paint and gives the pumpkins a shiny finish.
   Allow to dry fully.

Display Ideas

Also see my new Pink Painted Pumpkin Piggie Family made with pumpkins and squash.

• Arrange on a table, porch, or entryway
• Combine with leaves, hay, or smaller pumpkins
• Great for kid-friendly decorating and fall parties

Tips

• Metallic acrylic paint creates a lovely sheen on white pumpkins
• Prime is unnecessary when using acrylic on real pumpkins
• If paint feels thick, thin slightly with water
• Keep outside pumpkins sheltered from rain for longevity

Suggested Children’s Story Books

Inspired by classic storybook friends like bears, donkeys, piglets, and bouncing tigers — think cozy forest characters and gentle nursery-style expressions — these painted pumpkins bring childhood storybook charm to your fall décor.

• Winnie-the-Pooh (A.A. Milne, E.H. Shepard illustrations are public domain)
• The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter — illustrations not yet public domain, but characters/story are very classic)
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
• The Velveteen Rabbit
• The Wind in the Willows
• Mother Goose Rhymes
• The Adventures of Pinocchio (original text, not Disney style)
• Grimm’s Fairy Tales (Little Red Riding Hood, etc.)
• The Three Bears
• The Ugly Duckling
• Thumbelina
• The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (Beatrix Potter series)
• Aesop’s Fables (Tortoise & Hare, Fox & Grapes, etc.)