Paper Mache Pumpkins
These paper mache pumpkins are so cool! They may be a bit messy to make, but they look great and cost WAY less than the expensive decorative pumpkins you can find at the store. And no worries about struggling with balloons for these paper mache pumpkins! We used pillow stuffing inside a plastic bag to create perfect ridges for the pumpkin shape. Pumpkins are a clear sign of fall weather and Halloween approaching, and a paper mache pumpkin is a fun decoration that, unlike real pumpkins, you’ll be able to keep out until Thanksgiving. In fact, it’ll last for years to come!
Check out our Paper Mache Pumpkins video tutorial:
*Note: Scroll down for the step-by-step photo tutorial.
Chunky Yarn Pumpkins Paper Strip Pumpkins Yarn Pumpkins using Balloons
Here’s what you’ll need:
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What can I use instead of fiber fill stuffing?
If you don’t have fiber fill you can stuff the plastic bag with: filling from an old pillow (that’s what we used), crumpled newspaper, more plastic bags, crumpled tin foil, old t-shirts, old towels, or even rice.
Plastic grocery bag Fiber fill Yarn Scissors Masking tape
Flour Water Whisk Mixing bowl Newspaper
Paintbrush Latex primer (optional) Orange acrylic paint
You can also forget the stuffed grocery bag and do paper mache over a punch balloon. These balloons are perfectly stretchy and flexible enough to create ridges in the pumpkin. We don’t recommend using a regular balloon because the pumpkin grooves won’t go deep enough and your pumpkin will look like a ball.
What if I don’t have newsprint?
If you don’t have newsprint, you can definitely use another type of paper for your paper mache pumpkin. Some alternatives you can use are: paper towels, construction paper, lined school paper, tissue paper, or even blue shop towels.
You can draw a jack-o-lantern face onto the side of these paper mache pumpkins for a spooky touch. Or make several pumpkins of different sizes and shapes to make a pretty little grouping for your Thanksgiving table. They’ll stay beautiful year after year!
Here’s even more fun pumpkin craft ideas:
Chunky Yarn Pumpkins
Paper Strip Pumpkins
Yarn Pumpkins using Balloons
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
