I recently came across this crafty take on decorating with ornamental pumpkins over on Sunset.
Tiny pumpkins—or any small gourds—can be colored in minutes with acrylic paints or permanent markers. The secret to their jewel-like sparkle is a finishing glaze applied after the paint or ink has thoroughly dried.

To find out how to make these, just read more

Supplies:

• Miniature pumpkins in varying sizes and shapes
• Foam brush
• Acrylic paint
• Rubber comb (available from craft stores)
• Broad-tip permanent markers
• Polyurethane glaze

Here are the steps:

1. Use a foam brush to apply acrylic paint evenly over pumpkin.
2. While paint is still wet, run a rubber comb around the pumpkin. Start from the stem and work from top to bottom. As an alternative to painting and combing, use a broad-tip marker to draw spirals or dots on the pumpkins, or go a little wild by drawing random lines in contrasting colors.
3. When paint or ink is dry, spray with a polyurethane glaze as a protective finish.
4. Display these in your home or give them away as a party favor if you have an autumn or halloween party.