For this month’s Craft Hop, I’m sharing easy-to-make black pumpkin decor, for an eerie but elegant Halloween look. See both black widow and masquerade stylings.
To those coming over from Liberty’s and her Crocheted Scarf Patterns, welcome! Check out the links to all sixteen fall and Halloween theme craft projects at the end of this post.
Last year, I made Easy Fall Sweater Pumpkins and a Festive Fall Grapevine Wreath— appropriate to decorate a home from September through Thanksgiving.
I didn’t make any new Halloween-specific decorations, but did acquire some accents on post holiday clearance. For this season, I repurposed a few Halloween embellishments from old decorations into new black pumpkin decor. You could say I breathed new life into them lol!
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Gothic Glam
My living room is dominated by a black grand piano. Adjacent to it, is a large black, ornately framed mirror. For Halloween, I use mostly black-based decorations in the more formal areas of the home; including the dining room and entry hall.
That includes an arched-back cat sitting on the piano keys, tall spider candlesticks, silk spiders and bats, ravens, large sitting witch, and a glittery half moon suction-cupped on the mirror. 
Check it out in my Not-So-Scary Halloween Decor Home Tour.
But, I’ve been wanting to add black pumpkin decor to the coffee and side tables for a little gothic glam.
Two years ago — on an after Halloween clearance — I scored a pair of faux black pumpkins super cheap. I had intended to decorate and embellish them last fall. Due to a family medical issue however, we ended up out-of-town for several weeks over Halloween. So, I ended up packing the black pumpkin decor away — half finished.
Easy DIY Black Pumpkin Decor
Supplies: Start with a faux pumpkin — or two. Mine were already black, but you can easily spray paint over other colors. Perhaps you have an existing pumpkin you’d like to redo or embellish? And, if your design doesn’t require drilling holes as mine did, a ceramic pumpkin would also work fine.
After that, all you need is a variety of Halloween theme craft supplies like faux silk flowers/leaves and ribbon. It also helps to have an assortment of odds and ends, such as lace, deco mesh, buttons, feather boa, and even costume jewelry. I recycled much of the decorative Halloween accents from previous projects.
Equipment: glue gun and sticks, scissors, floral clippers, drill and bit, and ruler.
Now, let me take you through the craft steps for the two black pumpkin decor styles I created. Their look evolved as I went, and was largely dependent on what materials I had. What wasn’t in my stash, I picked up during a quick trip to Dollar Tree.
Eye Popping Masked Pumpkin
First, I drilled holes to insert the pair of eyeballs on sticks. To keep them firmly in place, I added dabs of glue.
To “dress up” the eyeballs a bit, I simply glued a little piece of black net trim around each base.
The ruffed lace was leftover from the Queen of Heart’s dress when Creating Alice in Wonderland Character Dolls. There was enough to encircle the stem and top of both pumpkins.
Then, I took two branches of silk black flowers and leaves and cut them into small sections. Most of the stems were tucked and hidden under the net trim, or the petals and leaves.
That’s as far as I got last year, before packing away the eye popping black pumpkin decor.
In the background of the picture above is the Gonna Need a New Broom, Witch Wreath.
Black Pumpkin Decor 2.0
When I unpacked the Halloween decorations, those eyeballs were staring at me accusingly from the unfinished project!
So, I went back into my craft and Halloween stashes looking for materials to complete the black pumpkin decor. For the eye popping design, I scavenged embellishments from the centerpiece in, Eye of Newt, Spooky Halloween Tablescape.
Since it was a lovely day in Pittsburgh, I set up outside on the covered porch and got back to crafting. First, I drilled five more holes into the top of the pumpkin. Then I cut a bunch of black silk roses into single stems. Three of the roses have eyeballs centered in the petals — you know me, always the Queen of Theme (Scream?)!
But, the design was lacking something. That’s when I decided to add a black masquerade mask to complete the gothic glam look.
I took a Dollar Tree mask and removed the red rose. In its place, I added black leaves and a plastic spider. I also attached a remnant of black sheer ribbon. In the middle of the forehead, I glued a bat that had broken off an old Halloween stem.
Next, I cut and rolled several pieces of 12-inch wide, black deco mesh. Using more of the sheer ribbon, I tied each roll in the center — creating a sorta bow. Then I hot glued them into place.
It’s the same technique used in assembling the DIY Trick or Treat Halloween Wreath.
Here’s the finished eye popping black pumpkin. What do you think?
Hands Off Black Pumpkin
For the second pumpkin, I repurposed a pair of skeleton hands.
Originally, they were used to decorate the chandelier hanging above the Haunted Halloween Hallows Tablescape.
Rather than drill holes and have the hands stand upright, I decided to drape them over the top and sides of the pumpkin. Since the sticks weren’t needed, I clipped them off.
For each skeleton hand, I liberally applied a large amount of glue to the the pumpkin. The weight of the floral clippers held each hand in place, until the glue had completely setup and dried.
As with the first pumpkin, I created a net ruffle around the top. I probably should have done that first, but it didn’t occur to me until later. Still, it was relatively easy to tuck and glue the trim under the bony fingers.
Next, I added a number of black silk flowers sprays all the way around the pumpkin. A little glue, and most were easy to slip under the skeleton hand or between the fingers. That’s as far as I got last year.
Hands Back On 2.0
A year later, and the back side of the pumpkin was in need of decoration. First, I glued on some larger black silk leaves for texture. But, the pumpkin still needed a pop of bony coloring from skeletal embellishments.
Last year, I published a trio of skeleton theme Halloween posts. They included a Spooktacular Skeleton at the Feast Halloween Table. Hanging overhead, was this Jaw Dropping Halloween Chandelier.
A last minute addition to the display had been this black gauze and skeleton bone garland. For the black pumpkin decor, I clipped off a few pieces and glued them to the back.
For a little height, I added several deco mesh rolls — like those embellishing the eye popping pumpkin.
However, the decorations still looked a little flat. Inspiration came from the plastic sider I had already slipped on one of the skeleton fingers. The large, fuzzy black spider was another cheap Dollar Tree find.
I like how the black widow’s legs kind of mimic the bony fingers. Do you see it?
What do you think? Should I have stood the skeleton hands upright instead? Of course, then I would have to call it Hands Up instead of Hands Off lol!
Gothic Pairing
Bee sure to check out how I incorporated the black pumpkin decor into the centerpiece of Halloween Gothic Glam Table & Skeleton Napkin Fold.
Crashing the party again will be a skeleton from DIY Halloween Decor: It’s a Scream.
Which black pumpkin decor piece do you like best?
Related Post Picks
Fall & Halloween Theme Craft Hop
Next up on the craft hop are Trick or Treat Creations by the ever talented Jenna of The Painted Apron.
Celebrate and Decorate – Dollar Store Skull
Design Morsels – Mummy Door Decoration
Chas’ Crazy Creations – Breast Cancer Awareness Wreath
Birdz of a Feather – Cement Planter DIY
My Thrift Store Addiction – Thrifty Tips for Crafting Seasonal Pillows
B4 and Afters – Crochet Scarf Patterns
Debbees Buzz – Elegant Black Pumpkins
The Painted Apron – Trick Or Treat Creations
My Hubbard Home – Rustic Autumn Craft
Purple Hues and Me – Whimsical Scarecrow
My Family Thyme – Stamped Tea Towels
Our Crafty Mom – Halloween Tiered Tray Ideas
Raggedy Bits – How To Make Wooden Halloween Pumpkins
Home Is Where the Boat Is – Halloween Witch Craft
Decorate & More with Tip – Simple DIY Pumpkin Pillow
Zucchini Sisters – Pumpkin Truck Sign
BlueskyAtHome – DIY Pumpkin Wreath
Check back next week for a fall season wreath hop. I’ll share a DIY Sunken Ship Pirate Wreath for Sistah B’s waterfront home.
For another crafting style and technique, don’t miss how to Easily Marble Pumpkins for Fall & Table Decor.
Getting Back on a Bike
Regular readers know that I have been on a search for both a bike and Scottie puppy since last March. Both have been in short supply during the pandemic.
Just a few days before heading to Philadelphia to help our son move into his “new” row house, Mr. Buzz located me a bike. Finally! But, it wasn’t from one of three bike shop wait lists I’ve been on. Instead, hubby found it on Craigslist.
It was a surprise gift to the unsuspecting wife of a cycling enthusiast. Apparently, she was far less than enthusiastic or pleased. Just three weeks after purchasing it, he re-sold us the spanking new Electra 7-Speed Cruiser from Trek Bikes.
Isn’t the blue color bee-ut-iful? BFF and college roommate teased me to leave the tiara and pearls from my Breakfast at Tiffany’s Theme Brunch at home lol!
Since returning from our 10-day stay in Philly, hubby and I have gotten in three, 6-7 mile rides in along the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, and Montour Trail. Weather here in Pittsburgh has been fabulous. (I feel terrible for everyone else suffering from the fires, hurricanes and tropical storms.)
Ironically, I’ll only be getting a few more rides in over the next couple of weeks. That’s because I’m scheduled to have some rather extensive outpatient surgery on my foot. And no, it’s not because I fell off the bike and injured myself lol! It’s more about repair and maintenance from aging.
Unfortunately, I’ll be non-weight bearing for about two months. So I’ll be replacing my bike with a knee scooter and crutches. Ugh! But, that’s a story for another day.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Debbee, I can’t tear my eyes away from your gothic glam pumpkins! They’re super creepy in a good way :) and I got a chuckle out of those eyeballs staring accusingly at you to finish your project. So glad you located a bike, sorry about your upcoming foot surgery. Hope it heals quickly. Happy to be hopping with you again ♥
Mary, your creativity extends to your cleverly worded comments lol! I love riding my new bike and am enjoying my last couple weeks of being able to get out and about. Bummed about the need for surgery and months of recovery, but figure there are far worse things. With the pandemic already keeping us mostly homebound, probably is a good time to just get this behind me.
Debbee, LOVE these pumpkins!! I decorate our Dining Room in Halloween gothic decor and these would be perfect!! Thanks for sharing!! Pinned!! Hugs, Debbie
Delighted you like ’em Debbie. Wouldn’t be a blast if we could combine our decor and tableware for a gothic glam jam?!
Scary and fun at the same time!! Very fabulous Debbee, the black pumpkins are really attention grabbers! Good luck with your surgery, I hope you are back on your bike soon!
Glad you think so Jenna! It’s amazing what you can style with a little of this and that. Thanks for the good wishes. The bike will probably have to wait until next spring, but the doc says I will be back on skis by March!
Gothic and glam pumpkins. Such a cool idea! The eyeballs are so fun.
Thanks Linda! I love both the eyeballs and skeleton hands for old Halloween decorations, and was happy to find a new use for them.
I think you’re the Queen of Halloween Decorations, Debbie! Looks like you had too much fun creating these! How creeptacular! You had me at putting a eyeball in the center of a rose! The eyeballs look too real!
Wow Gail, I’m honored to bee bestowed such an illustrious title lol! I did have fun — maybe there’s an inner dark side of me?
These are outstanding! I missed your chandelier last year, but am so happy you shared it again in this post. You really go all out for Halloween Debbee; so fun! I wish you well with the foot surgery and a speedy recovery!!
Thanks so much Sara! Two years in the making, so I had time to conjure up my creative juices lol! Appreciate your good wishes. I’m dreading the long period of non weight bearing, but also will be glad to have it behind me by the holidays.
Debbee, your gothic pumpkins rock. The mask and eyes is my fav. I can see that lot’s of cute details went into your diy
Keep in touch on how your surgery went.
Bet you will be back on your bike by next spring, with a new working foot, cruising those beautiful pathways :)
Thanks Rachelle, I had a lot of fun styling them from things I mostly had. The mask and the spider were the only purchases I made this year. Looking forward to the wreath hop with you next week. Then, I’ll likely be taking about 10 days off from blogging. Appreciate your good wishes. It is nice to know I’ll be ready to ride again this spring. And, maybe back on skis before that too!
I am a huge Halloween fan and this is so fun! Wonderful crafting with you and thanks for sharing!
My mother always made us the most wonderful costumes growing up. And we carried that tradition on with my sons. I have the nicest, happiest memories of Halloween, and continue to want to celebrate even with the empty nest.
Debbee, you’ve nailed eerie and elegant with your creative black pumpkins. I would have never thought about adding the eyes but they are so fun!
That’s what I was hoping for Cecilia, thanks! Originally, I was going to decoupage the pumpkins. But, then I came upon the eyes on sticks and eyeball roses, and creative inspiration took hold, lol!
I love these because they are so elegant. That’s so cute “pin me if your dare”. I pinned it. The skeleton hands against the black pumpkin looks so cool. I’m glad that you found a bike. Mine is gathering cobwebs in the garage so maybe I should get out there too. Thanks for being in the hop.
Delighted you like the stylings Andrea! I liked the color contrast of the hands on the pumpkins too — that’s why I decided to lay them on the pumpkin instead of stand them as the eyeballs. My husband is a long distance runner, but I’m more of a pilates, yoga person. So bike riding is a great activity we can do together and both get some exercise.
I’m not a Halloween person but love your creations especially those eyeballs staring at you. Your chandelier from last year was great. Just enough scary without being too scary.
I read also you are having foot surgery. I wish you luck and hope you have a speedy recovery. ?
Very nice of you to take the time to comment, particularly since you aren’t a “Halloween person.” Also appreciate your good wishes on my surgery Cindy. It’ll be especially nice to continue to connect with blogger friends while I’m stuck in a cast and on crutches.
Oh Debbee, you are always so creative and really carry through a theme so well. I love seeing your crafts, your tables and of course how you are dressing up your chandelier. These black pumpkins are so creative and fun!!
Very kind and generous of you to say Chloe — thanks! Looking forward to including the pumpkins in my tablescape for next month’s hop.
Debbee, your black pumpkins are both spooky and glam! I love how you’ve adorned them with trimmings from your crafting stash. Don’t you love when inspiration strikes? I enjoyed crafting outdoors in this beautiful weather, too.
It sounds like you’ve chosen a good time to get your surgery done, before the holidays. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for a quick recovery.
It is really great when things come together, sometimes accidentally in this case. Shopping my own stash was also necessitated by the virus though.
Thanks for your good wishes on my surgery. I am a bit depressed how long I’ll be in a cast and crutches (3 ish months). But, since I haven’t been able to locate a puppy, outdoor activities and dining soon coming to an end soon, and Covid restrictions limiting socializing, it did seem to be the right time to get it over with.
These are so cool!!! What a fun way to decorate with this Halloween! I love your skeleton chandelier to!! So very clever and creative!!
Thank you Sam! It was fun to create something new for this year. Enjoyed the skeleton so much last year, that I’ve incorporated him into a new centerpiece with the pair of black pumpkins.
Debbee, what great, googly and ghoulish gourds you have, my dear. Your mind must race with creative ideas. I can tell by all the crafts you do and the extent to which you do them. These are great.
Best wishes for your upcoming foot surgery. I’ll keep you in my prayers for a full and speedy recovery. I would imagine this will involve PT afterward too. Be patient with yourself. And promise me you’ll wear a helmet when you bike ride, please!!
I got such a chuckle about the “gourds” comment Rita — very clever you! And, it’s true that sometimes I lay in bed at night unable to turn off my brain and sleep lol! Don’t worry, I am protecting my noggin with a bike helmet though (took it off for the pix).
You are also right about PT. In fact, yesterday I was bummed to discover I’ll be in a hard cast for up to 2 months, and another month in a walking boot with crutches — which will take me through Xmas. In December I start 2 months of PT. Worse is that I finally located a Scottie puppy, but can’t take him as he’d be ready in late October. Found that out the day after I scheduled my surgery! I’ve been sorely tempted to skip the whole thing …!
Debbee, these Halloween ideas are so cute. Perfect for so many places on our homes. Love the stencils on the mirror. Good luck with your surgery and rest up afterwards.
Thanks Carol, they were a lot of fun to create. Thinking of making some black with purple accents and traditional orange and black ones next year.
Debbee, I love your elegant, spooky in a fun way, gothic pumpkins! Very creative. I had a good chuckle about the eyes staring back at you lol! I just put out a few fall & Halloween decor pieces this week myself. I adore the fall through Christmas season, and it sure helps to do the normal things we love to do w/ this pandemic still in our lives. Sending prayers for fast healing for your upcoming surgery. Love the bike color! Hugs!
Oh Bobbi, so delighted you’re back, and great hearing from you! I’m agree about decorating for the holidays — especially as an alternative to the concern, depression and isolation of this darn pandemic. Unfortunately, I haven’t put out all my stuff for the fall season — because of surgery. Hubby is going to have a lot more to do (shopping, meals, cleaning), so I need to simplify things for us both. And, we will be in Philly for Thanksgiving. Hoping I will be able to get around well enough in a walking boot by December to decorate, but probably scaled back. Still will have a number of seasonal posts to share. Appreciate your good wishes, as always!
Debbee, I love these pumpkins and especially the one with the decorated mask! Think I’ll steal this idea for adding another touch to my Halloween decor this year.
Imitation is the best form of flattery, so steal away Debra! Look forward to seeing your interpretation. I think it’d be great to incorporate costume jewelry or feather boa.
Love how you re-used supplies and achieved such a ghoulish look! Your glam pumpkins are great. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
My house is normally decorated to the hilt for fall and Halloween, and there’s no display or storage space for something all new. So, it was great to be able to reuse and reinvent.
Enjoyed seeing your pumpkins. Been busy making upcycled cloth ones, but otherwise have not done much H. decorating here. Prayers for your surgery. Hope you have LOTS of sedentary projects planned. Asking hubby to go to Dollar Tree or Michaels probably won’t be a popular request!
Thanks Kathy. Yeah, it’s hard to craft when you need supplies and can’t browse/shop. More likely I’ll be doing puzzles and reading than crafting for a bit. Will really miss going out for post Halloween clearance sales for next year’s projects.
Debbee, You are totally amazing. Your decorations are so awesome. I love your pumpkins.
Congratulations, you are being featured at Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2020/10/thursday-favorite-things-party_15.html Hugs, Bev
Oh Bev, I rarely miss a week of TFT! And since I’m now couch bound, I’m really enjoying the opportunity to visit more posts and get acquainted with other bloggers. Really, really appreciate the feature — a highlight of my day! Hugs back at ya Bev.
Love them all, but I think the masked pumpkin is my favorite. Best of luck to you with your surgery. I guess you’ll be crafting with your foot up!
Thanks Ann! The masked pumpkin seems to be the heavy favorite. It’s been about 10 days since the surgery and all is going as expected. Don’t think I’ll be crafting (maybe just crocheting) for awhile though. The cast is heavy and awkward and gotta keep it elevated too high for now. Catching up on reading.
Another amazing Halloween post. Love love love it!
Thanks again Kim. I really went for the gothic glam look this year — something a little different and more for the adults.
Beautifully done yet again! I just love seeing all of your Halloween decor.