UN-carve your pumpkins: Creative, alternative decorating ideas

MILWAUKEE -- Decorate pumpkins this fall -- no carving necessary! Lifestyle expert Jennifer Ott joined Studio A on Wednesday, October 21st with some ideas:

1. Painting. Traditional jack-o-lantern faces are much easier to paint or draw then they are to cut. You can use washable paint to fix mistakes or permanent markers to protect the face from washing off in the rain. The kiddos can get as creative as they want to!

2. Stickers: Even more kid-friendly are the stickers most pumpkin farms now offer. You can also find them at most craft stores. They're easy to peel and stick, and interchangeable. You can even do more than one face on a single pumpkin! Moustache stickers work great for a funny twist.

3. Repurpose old costumes: Who else has a big bin of old Halloween costumes? Wigs, masks and hats sit with costumes that no one wants to wear anymore or that don`t fit. Why not repurpose a mask or wig to dress up your pumpkins?

4. Chalkboard paint: If you want to get a little more elaborate with painting, try chalkboard paint. Black is the perfect color for Halloween, and it makes for the perfect canvas to create all sorts of things. Challk markers or actual chalk can help create any visual you want, and even direct trick-or-treaters to the right door.

5. Spiderweb: Spiders are a Halloween must-have decoration, so why not use them on your pumpkin? Cover the pumpkin with spiderweb fabric (adhered with glue or stickpins), and glue spiders around the web. Scary and practical!

6. Mummy: Wrapped in gauze with beady eyes - who can resist a mummy pumpkin? Simple, cheap, and perfect for Halloween. Self stick gauze wrap makes it almost too easy!

7. Decorative: Not looking for something scary? Try decorating pumpkins for centerpieces or room décor. Adding ribbons, glitter, leaves, flowers, and more can spruce up a simple pumpkin and serve as a great centerpiece for fall parties for grown ups or the kiddos. Smaller pumpkins can also be decorated with festive art AND chalkboard paint to make name plates for your holiday dinners!