No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating

Transform this classic fall gourd with quick and creative decorating ideas. Sound too easy? You’re in for a treat. By Krissy Tiglias

Photographs by Don Penny; Styling by Vanessa Boer

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Mad for Plaid

Move over, Scotch, there’s a new tape in town. Washi is similar to masking tape but available in tons of patterns and colors. Ready, set, get stickin'!

Supplies:

Dry erase marker in a light color (avoid black)
Scissors
Washi tape, happytape.com

Instructions:

1. Using the dry erase marker, create your design, which will guide you when placing the tape. (The marker is great for this project because it lets you draw, rinse, and repeat!)

2. Once you’re set with your design, begin applying tape to the pumpkin's surface. Try using longer strips when possible, because piecing together too many short strips will look sloppy. For this design, begin at the stem and run your tape down the side of the pumpkin, erasing the markings as you adhere the strips to the surface. Finish at the bottom of the pumpkin. After all of the vertical stripes have been made, apply tape around the circumference of the pumpkin to complete your pattern. (If you'd rather stick with stripes, skip the final crisscross step.)