Ditch the Tools With These Easy No-Carve Painted Pumpkins

Pumpkin season is upon us (yay!) and hopefully you've been getting your PSL fix in every form possible. Although carving pumpkins is fun and satisfying, the process is also pretty messy and difficult.

This fall, ditch the carving tools and decorate them with paint, glue, and felt. If you're not sure of where to start, check out these easy DIYs for a cactus, unicorn, s'mores, and flamingo version.

Cactus Pumpkin

It doubles as Halloween decor AND as a plant that'll never die!

Materials:

  • pumpkin
  • a planter with a lip that is slightly smaller than the pumpkin
  • green paint, one darker and one lighter
  • paint brushes
  • scissors
  • pink felt
  • hot glue gun

Paint your pumpkin the darker green and let dry. Apply a second coat and let dry. Paint light green stripes along the pumpkin's natural grooves.

Cut a strip of pink felt with one petal-like edge, like the photo above, and roll it into a tight cylinder, adding hot glue along the straight edge to secure. Fan out the petals to make a flower. Place the painted pumpkin on the planter and hot glue the flower to the pumpkin.

Unicorn Pumpkin

The cutest little uni you ever did see.

Materials:

  • pumpkin
  • white, pink, purple, blue, and black felt
  • embroidery floss
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun
  • white paint
  • paint brush

Paint two coats of white paint over your pumpkin, letting the paint dry between coats.

Cut out felt shapes like the photo above. You'll want two quarter-circle shapes, two eyelash shapes, two white ear shapes, and two pink inside ear shapes.

To make the horn, layer the two quarter circle shapes on top of each other and roll into a horn shape. Secure with glue. Wrap embroidery floss around the horn and secure with glue.

To make the ears, glue the pink ear shapes on the white ear shapes. Then, glue the bottom corners of the ears together. Glue the eyelashes, the ears, and the horn to your pumpkin.

For the mane, cut fringed pieces from your pink, purple, and blue felt. Starting from the bottom back of your pumpkin, glue them in a line to form the mane. If you want to add bangs on your uni, glue the fringe between the uni's ears before gluing on the horn.

S'mores Pumpkin

Cute as a button… just remember to not eat them!

Materials:

  • white mini pumpkin
  • brown pen
  • cardboard cut into a 3 ½ x 3 ½ inch square (this size may depend on the size of your pumpkin)
  • cork cut into a 3 x 3 inch square (this size may depend on the size of your pumpkin)
  • brown felt
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun

Draw nine dots on your cardboard squares in an even grid to create the graham crackers. Wrap brown felt around your cork square like you would wrap a present. If you don't have cork, just layer two cardboard square together. This will be your chocolate.

Glue the “chocolate" on one “graham cracker." Glue the pumpkin to the chocolate and then glue another “graham" on top of the pumpkin.

Flamingo Pumpkin

Let's Flamingle.

Materials:

  • pumpkin
  • pink paint
  • paint brush
  • hot glue gun
  • pink, yellow, black, and orange foam (or construction paper)
  • scissors

Paint two coats of pink paint over your pumpkin, letting it dry between coats.

Cut out foam shapes like the photo above. You'll want two flamingo necks, two beaks, two white face pieces, two orange circles, two black circles, two pink wings, and one pink tail.

Assemble the face by gluing a black beak, a white face, and an orange and black eye on one pink flamingo neck. Glue on the other pink flamingo neck, and assemble the foam pieces on the back side of the neck.

Glue the neck, the wings, and the tail onto the pumpkin. Foam is a little harder to stick on a pumpkin, so be sure to use plenty of glue.

Pink looks good on you :)

Which pumpkin will you make?Share your photos on Instagram using #britstagram.

DIY Production and Styling: Irene Lee

Photography: Kurt Andre

Thanksgiving prep is in full force here at Brit HQ. We’ve been whipping up a storm of sweets from Pecan Pie Bars to Cranberry Bliss Bars, and more. Up next, we’ve got another no-bake dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit at your Thanksgiving celebration. Introducing our White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse with Spiked Whipped Cream. You only need five ingredients for this one and you can totally make it ahead of time to ease your Turkey Day prep. Let’s get started!


Ingredients

  • 8 ounces white chocolate
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate vodka
  • 10-12 gingersnap cookies, crushed

Instructions:

1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup water. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted.

2. Place the bowl in an ice bath. Using an electric mixer, beat the chocolate for 5-8 minutes until it begins to thicken.

3. Pour 1 cup whipping cream into a separate bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Add 1 cup pumpkin puree. Whisk to combine. Whisk the pumpkin puree into the chocolate mixture and set aside.

4. Beat the remaining 1 cup whipped cream in a separate bowl. Add 3 tablespoons chocolate vodka. Feel free to leave out the vodka if you prefer your whipped cream booze-free. Continue to mix until soft peaks form.

5. To assemble, spoon the pumpkin mousse into a dish. Top with whipped cream. Sprinkle gingersnap cookies on top. Enjoy!

Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add ¼ cup water. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted.

Place the bowl in an ice bath. Beat the chocolate for 5-8 minutes until it begins to thicken. Patience is key!

Pour 1 cup whipping cream into a separate bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Add 1 cup pumpkin puree. Whisk to combine.

Whisk the pumpkin puree into the chocolate mixture and set aside.

Beat the remaining 1 cup whipped cream in a separate bowl. Add 3 tablespoons chocolate vodka.

Spoon the pumpkin mousse into a dish. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle gingersnap cookies on top.

How easy was that? This light and airy mousse will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Loving this White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse? Check out our Pinterest — and 20 Thanksgiving Desserts You Won’t Believe Are Healthy — for even more inspiration.

All images via Brit + Co

This post has been updated.

A Cinderella Story isn't just a movie — it's honestly a cultural moment. The costume montage, the spastic colons and synchronized swimming, the rain in this drought... even Gavin Degraw singing over the One Tree Hilltrailer on the DVD stand out! Everything about this film is iconically ingrained in our collective conscious, making Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray the Y2k blueprint for many of the "It" pairings we know and love today.

We last left our Princeton royalty preparing for their freshman year of college, dreaming of happily-ever-after — or at least graduation — and that was that! But in this era of reboots, I've often wondered what happened to our OG tortured poets after the credits rolled. Luckily, I'm not the only one! Chad Michael Murray just tee'd up a sequel, and yes that's me you hear squealing right now. Here's everything we know about what's to come for everyone's fave modern fairytale!

Is there a part two to a Cinderella story?

Photo via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc

There's Another Cinderella Story, starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley, but that's more so a part of a series of "Cinderella stories" rather than an actual sequel. So far, we haven't gotten a follow-up on our Princeton-bound faves.

Has "A Cinderella Story 2" been announced?

There's been no formal announcement yet, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost. During his press tour for Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray told ETthat he's definitely interested in bringing Austin Ames back. He said that even his daughter told him, "You need to make another one of these, Daddy," after she watched A Cinderella Story for the first time.

His response to the idea? "Here you go, Hil. From me to you, let's do it!" — referring to Hilary Duff, of course! The timing couldn't be better either, given that Hilary just gave birth to her fourth child and could hypothetically be available to film in the coming months...just saying!

Again, there's no official information about this project yet, but with a main piece of the puzzle on board, we're one step closer to my own personal happily-ever-after — a real sequel to A Cinderella Story once and for all.

Wanna stay in-the-know about all things pop culture? Follow us on Facebook for more!

Header image via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.

What's fall without a sweet treat? These pumpkin bars are the ultimate sweet-tooth satisfier, and the best part is they are easily customizable to your preferences. Some have pecans, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate — some are even gluten-, grain-, or egg-free!

These would go great on any autumn party spread or just to make in batches for whenever you're looking for a delicious dessert. Take a look; take a bite. And save us one or two...

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies 

Image via Brit + Co

Combine two of the better things in life: Pumpkin and chocolate for the ultimate fall treat. (via Brit + Co)

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies 

Image via Averie Cooks

Your favorite childhood cookie gets a fall makeover. They're like snickerdoodles, blondies, and pumpkin bars all in one - yum. (via Averie Cooks)

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bars with Pecan Crust 

Image via Delish Knowledge

No more fretting over which dessert you should bring to Thanksgiving with this two-in-one dessert. (via Delish Knowledge)

The Ultimate Pumpkin Bars 

Image via Julies Eats and Treats

What makes these pumpkin bars the ultimate? They're made with a cake batter crust, a gooey pumpkin pie filling, a layer of cakey topping, and a blossom of whipped cream for good measure. (via Julies Eats and Treats)

Pumpkin + Butter Crumb Bars

Image via Lovely Little Kitchen

If you're anything like us, the crumb topping is your favorite part. Do yourself a favor and make an extra batch to ensure there's enough. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)

Brown Sugar Maple Pumpkin Butter Bars

Image via Half-Baked Harvest

Nutty browned butter and a vanilla espresso glaze? Sign me up! (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake Bars

Image via What Should I Make For...

Upgrade your cheesecake by swapping gingersnaps in for the plain old graham crackers... it's flavor from the ground up. (via What Should I Make For...)

Pumpkin Quinoa Breakfast Bars

Image via Simply Quinoa

Protein-packed pumpkin quinoa bars will get your mornings off to a hearty, healthy start. (via Simply Quinoa)

Paleo Pumpkin + Chocolate Chip Bars

Image via Physical Kitchness

If you're paleo and have a sweet tooth, the holidays can be torturous. But this year, you can indulge, thanks to this revamped recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin bars. (via Physical Kitchness)

Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

Image via A Virtual Vegan

These vegan and gluten-free bars are perfect for breakfast or just a yummy snack. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Pumpkin Banana Bread Bars

Image via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Pumpkin and banana bread combine to make a delicious bar you'll want all fall long. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars 

Image via The First Year Blog

Take the stress out of baking cheesecake by serving it in humble-yet-delicious bar form instead. (via The First Year Blog)

Pumpkin Caramel Blondies

Image via Barley & Sage

Topped with toasted pecans, homemade salted caramel, and flaky sea salt, these bars are to die for. (via Barley & Sage)

Pumpkin Granola Bars

Image via A Virtual Vegan

These soft and chewy bars are drizzled with chocolate, making for an absolutely delicious treat. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Pumpkin Spice Latte Protein Bars

Image via The Girl on Bloor

These bars are healthy and delicious. Bonus points because they taste like a Starbucks drink! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Pumpkin + Vanilla Bean Browned Butter Glaze Bars

Image via Averie Cooks

Everything can benefit from a vanilla bean brown butter glaze topped over a classic dessert. (via Averie Cooks)

Paleo Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pecan Pie Bars

Image via Food Faith Fitness

Baking tip: Stock up on pumpkin spice extract before the weather gets cool. You can use it in everything from these bars to your signature lattes. (via Food Faith Fitness)

No-Bake Vegan Pumpkin Bars 

Image via Eating Bird Food

Save the oven for your fall baking projects, and eat these no-bake vegan treats in the meantime. (via Eating Bird Food)

7 Layer Pumpkin Bars

Image via Chelsea's Messy Apron

These bars are loaded up with chocolate, toffee, coconut, pecans, and of course - pumpkin! (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Low-Carb Keto Pumpkin Bars

Image via Savory Tooth

Keto dieters will be so excited when you bring a tray of these to the next potluck. (via Savory Tooth)

Pumpkin + Chocolate Chip Bars 

Image via The Real Food Dietitians

Keep yourself fueled up with the flavors of the season by packing this simple (and no-bake) snack in your bag. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Pumpkin + Chocolate Bars 

Image via A Kitchen Addiction

You can have dessert any time of day when it's chock-full of healthy whole wheat flour, oats, and flax seeds. (via A Kitchen Addiction)

Almond Butter + Pumpkin Bars 

Image via The Roasted Root

This grain-free recipe is so easy and has no flour or grain. It's just almond butter and pumpkin holding it all together. (via The Roasted Root)

Easy Pumpkin Bars + Cream Cheese Frosting 

Image via Show Me The Yummy

Slather on as much cream cheese frosting as you can handle, and get ready for paradise. (via Show Me The Yummy)

Gingersnap + Pumpkin Drizzle Bars 

Image via Life With the Crust Cut Off

Robust gingerbread is tempered by a creamy pumpkin drizzle that you'll want to put on everything until springtime. (via Life With the Crust Cut Off)

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for everything pumpkin and baking.

Additional reporting by Isara Krieger

This post has been updated.

Memorial Day weekend is nigh, and in the midst of planning your epic BBQ spread and a slew of themed cocktails, it's also time to start noting the Memorial Day sales you'll be shopping for a much-needed summer refresh. We've got the scoop on savings in just about every category – from beauty to home decor to fashion – so you know exactly when and where to save big.

Scroll on for the Memorial Day sales we're most excited about for 2024, and make sure to come back here for additional sale info!

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum

Target

What: Items up to 60% off

When: May 24-27

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer

Amazon

What: Deals on everything from home goods to decor

When: Now through Memorial Day

Mila Mirror

Anthropologie Home

What: Savings on home goods

When: May 21-27

Peony Vase Thank You Card Set

Papier

What: 15% off stationery & photo books

When: May 22-29

Sherpa Deluxe Black Guarenteed On Board Soft Sided Dog & Cat Carrier

Petco

What: BOGO 50% off select summer products and 20% off select sherpa carriersWhen: May 24-27

Dallas IV Hat

Hood

What: 25% off sitewide with code USA25

When: May 23-27

CZ Crescent with Stars Necklace

Sterling Forever

What: 20% off sitewide with code SUMMER20

When: May 24-28

Stemless Wine Chiller Pair

VoChill

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 17-27

The Coated Pan

Material Kitchen

What: 20% off (*promo excludes bundles and collaborations)

When: May 23-27

EOS Classic Organic Mattress

Naturepedic

What: 20% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL20

When: May 15-29

Pierrette Dress

SAYLOR

What: Extra 15% off sale styles with code MDAY24

When: May 27

Sea Green Pleated Tennis Skirt

Gold Hinge

What: 25% off sitewide with code MDAY25

When: May 23-27

Calista FAUXblo Thermal Blowout Brush

Calista

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24

CAROL Bike

CAROL Bike

What: Take $200 off sitewide on all CAROL bikes

When: May 24-30

Cartolina Louise Cover-Up

Cartolina

What: 30% off sitewide

When: May 22-28

Carve Designs Zella Mesh Pullover

Carve Designs

What: BOGO red, white, and blue swim; buy 1 swimsuit, get one swimsuit 50% off

When: May 23-27

Essentia Stratami Organic Mattress

Essentia

What: 25% off sitewide, plus receive free GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Sheets with qualifying mattress purchases

When: May 13-31

Harper Wilde Bliss Scoop Bralette

Harper Wilde

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 24-27

MARLOWE. Soap Bar Discovery Gift Set

MARLOWE.

What: 20% off sitewide

When: May 27

Pura 4 Diffuser

Pura

What: 25% off sitewide through code only (subscriber early access: May 23-27), 25% off sitewide, plus subscribe to the Pura V4 and get a free car set

When: May 21-22

Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30

Vacation

What: 20% off sitewide, plus get a free boat keychain or pen on orders over $65 (while supplies last)

When: May 24-27

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on these Memorial Day sales + all the best deals!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Amazon's adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s famed Red, White & Royal Blueblew our minds with its perfectly extravagant and messy royal romance. Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz stole our hearts with their antics, proving that love isn't always as cookie cutter as we think it should be. Not only that, but it was the LGBT film we never knew we needed until it hit the big screen last year.

If you've been missing Prince Henry and Alex, you're in luck because a sequel to Red, White & Royal Blue is officially coming! Here's everything we know about the latest developments!

Is the main cast returning?

Image via Jonathan Prime/Prime Video

I'm happy to share that Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are returning! I honestly don't think the Red, White & Royal Blue sequel would be the same if they weren't.

However, no other cast information has been released! Hopefully we'll see Uma Thurman and Clifton Collins, Jr. reprise their roles!

What's the sequel going to be about?

Image via Prime Video

As of yet, Variety reports that not much has been confirmed about the sequel's plot or release date. My guess is that there the two lovebirds will have to juggle new responsibilities and mishaps.

What the original plot of "Red, White & Royal Blue?"

Image via Prime Video

The novel centers around the character of Alex Claremont-Diaz, a first son of the United States, and his romantic relationship with Prince Henry, British royalty.

Take a walk down memory lane with these behind-the-scenes pictures 👀

www.instagram.com

Matthew López on Instagram: "“Yes, this is exactly how I always dreamed it would be. Locked in a cupboard with your elbow inside my rib cage.” #rwrbmovie"

www.instagram.com

Nicholas Galitzine on Instagram: "The bois 📸 @aneeshtheactress"

www.instagram.com

Matthew López on Instagram: "Spent the last two weeks rehearsing with @nicholasgalitzine and @taylorzakharperez It’s been a joy to watch Henry and Alex come to life in the room. Excited to make this movie with them. Here we go! #rwrbmovie @primevideo 📸: (the great Stephen Goldblatt)"

We cannot wait to see what new adventures are two lovebirds will cook up in Red, White & Royal Blue, but for now we’ll be rereading (and rereading) RWRB.

Stay updated on all the latest entertainment new with Brit + Co.

Header image courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.

This post has been updated.