Project

No-Carve Lace Pumpkins

Create an instant and intricate design with nothing more than a pair of lacy stockings and a can of spray paint. Take note, last-minute decorators: The process takes just 15 minutes, no carving required.

Source: Martha Stewart Living, October 2014

Introduction

Stockings cling best to a smooth surface, so look for pumpkins with shallow ridges. We chose white ones and sprayed them with orange and yellow paint. You can also use orange pumpkins -- just be sure the paint shade you pick will contrast with the skin. You can personalize your color scheme by blending a few different craft paints, then applying with an aerosol paint sprayer.

Sources

Multisurface satin craft paint, $2 for 2 oz., and spray-paint kit, in Satin, $25, by Martha Stewart Crafts, michaels.com
Assorted lace stockings, $13.50 a pair, hue.com

materials

Sheer-to-waist patterned lace stockings

Pumpkin

Masking tape

Spray paint, or aerosol paint sprayer and craft paint

steps

Cut a section from stockings -- one pair can be used for many pumpkins -- and pull tightly around pumpkin. Use hips section for big pumpkins, legs for smaller ones.
Cinch and knot excess at bottom. Wrap excess at top around stem, knot, and wrap stem’s base with masking tape to shield it from paint, as shown above.
In a well-ventilated area, spray-paint top half of pumpkin with 1 or 2 coats; let dry. Turn pumpkin over and repeat on bottom. Once dry, remove stockings.