How to Make a Silhouette Pumpkin

Bring sophistication to your Halloween decor by embellishing a pumpkin with a trendy black-and-white silhouette.
Black Silhouette on White Pumpkin

Silhouette Pumpkin

Take a different approach to pumpkin decorating by applying a silhouette. This pumpkin was first painted white to highlight the black silhouette, making it an interesting fall statement piece.

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • medium to large pumpkin
  • white copy paper
  • computer and printer
  • stick pins
  • black acrylic paint
  • small flat-edge craft paintbrush
  • small-tipped detail paintbrush
  • spool of black lace, beads or other textural fabric trim
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • scissors

Find the Flat Side

Rotate the pumpkin until you find the flattest side. It will be easier to paint the silhouette on a smooth flat side than a bumpy one.

White Pumpkin

Pumpkin for Silhouette Project

Rotate the pumpkin until you find the flattest side. It will be easier to paint the silhouette on a smooth flat side than a bumpy one.

Print Silhouette

Use a computer and printer to print out a solid black silhouette of someone's face. You can use a family member's profile or simply search for silhouettes online. Tip: Make sure to measure the flat side of the pumpkin before you print so you'll know how large to print the silhouette.

Black and White Silhouette

Printed Silhouette

Use a computer and printer to print out a solid black silhouette of someone's face. You can use a family member's profile or simply search for silhouettes online. Tip: Make sure to measure the flat side of the pumpkin before you print so you'll know how large to print the silhouette.

Cut Out Silhouette

Use scissors to cut out the silhouette (Image 1), then temporarily attach it to the pumpkin with stick pins (Image 2).

Trace Silhouette

Use a pencil to trace around the entire silhouette.

Black Silhouette on White Pumpkin

Tracing the Silhouette onto Pumpkin

With a pencil, trace the outline of the silhouette onto your pumpkin.

Paint Silhouette

Remove the paper silhouette and stick pins, then use a flat-edged paintbrush to fill in the outline with black acrylic paint (Image 1). Use a small-tipped detail brush around the edges of the silhouette to clean up the design (Image 2).

Attach Trim

Cut enough trim to completely encircle the silhouette (Image 1); attach it to the pumpkin with a hot glue gun (Image 2).

Next Up

How to Make Halloween Tombstones From Upcycled Styrofoam

Upgrade your outdoor Halloween decor and create a creepy graveyard scene with this easy-to-make Styrofoam tombstone complete with custom epitaphs.

How to Make a Life-Size Halloween Ghost

Create a life-size ghost for Halloween using cheesecloth and other inexpensive items. Hang it from a tree or place it on your front porch so passersby will shake in their boots.

Halloween Pet Costume: Court Jester

This Halloween honor your pet's inner clown with an easy-to-sew felt jester costume. Our free printable templates make stitching up this playful costume a snap.

DIY Halloween Outdoor Decor That Will Have "All Eyes on Boo"

Create some Halloween curb appeal with a mischevious monster door. Inexpensive card stock, crepe paper and tape are a budget-friendly way to deck out your home before Halloween guests or trick-or-treaters arrive.

10 Fun Ways to Treat Your Favorite Pup This Halloween

Halloween isn't just for humans! Show your four-legged best friend some love with these festive dog treats, toys, accessories and costumes.

40+ Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Order Online

Are the holidays sneaking up on you? We've got you covered for the first one to hit the scene — Halloween — with costumes you can get delivered to your home in a matter of days.

20 Best Halloween Countdown Calendars

The countdown to Halloween is on! Start a fun new tradition with these festive calendars.

How to Shave a Pumpkin Design for Halloween

Take your jack-o’-lantern carving to a new level by learning how to easily carve and scrape off the top layer of a pumpkin to give it layers for a 3D effect.

Halloween Treat Recipe: Lucky Black Cats

Made from salty pretzels and creamy chocolate, there's nothing to fear from these delicious Halloween black cats.

Halloween Treat: Healthy Monster Apples

Turn tart apples, dried fruit and nuts or seeds into healthy treats for your favorite trick-or-treaters.

More from:

Halloween Ideas

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.