Paper Strip Pumpkin
These 3D paper strip pumpkins are quick, fun, and easy to make! Transform a simple piece of construction paper or cardstock into an adorable pumpkin in just a few minutes. This is a great fall craft for kids of all ages. There’s no glue needed so it’s also a low mess craft – which I always appreciate! These paper pumpkins are inexpensive and you can make them in any size and colour. They make cute fall decorations and fun homemade centerpieces for Thanksgiving dinner! They also look great sitting on a mantelpiece or coffee table alongside fabric leaves or even marbled leaves.
Check out our Paper Pumpkin video tutorial:
*Note: Scroll down for the step-by-step photo tutorial.
Yarn Pumpkins using Balloons Beaded Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins 3D Paper Pumpkin Craft
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Orange cardstock One hole punch Paper fastener Brown pipe cleaner Green pipe cleaner
What type of paper should I use?
We used cardstock because it holds the 3D pumpkin shape well. You can also use construction paper for an inexpensive and kid friendly paper pumpkin. Or, for a fancier look, try using glitter paper or patterned scrapbook paper.
What if I don’t have paper fasteners?
You can easily buy paper fasteners or “brads” online, or you can find them at Target, Walmart, or an office supply store like Staples. You might even be able to find them at the dollar store! If you don’t want to buy paper fasteners you can skip the step of hole punching the paper strips and simply glue them into place. Or you can make your own paper fasteners using a drinking straw or pipe cleaner. Drinking straw fastener: Add the paper strips to the drinking straw, cut slits in the bottom of the straw, then spread them apart and tape them to the bottom paper strip. Trim the straw and repeat for the top. Pipe cleaner fastener: Add the paper strips to the pipe cleaner then wind the ends into tight spirals on the top and bottom of the paper strips to hold them in place.
How can I make a different size pumpkin?
To make a different size pumpkin you simply need to use a different size of paper. You can use a larger (legal) size of paper, or you can cut down regular sized paper before making the strips. For the white pumpkin we cut off 1 inch (making the paper 7.5 by 11 inches), while the darker orange has 2 inches cut off (6.5 by 11 inches). You can also cut thinner or thicker strips of paper, or you can make a wider pumpkin by cutting longer paper strips.
What can I use instead of pipe cleaners?
You can connect all the paper strips with another paper fastener and then glue on a stem and vines and leaves made of paper. Try rolling up brown paper for the pumpkin’s stem and winding paper vines around a pencil to curl them.
These paper pumpkins are a fun craft for kids of all ages. Try drawing a face across a couple of the strips or glue on some paper pieces to form a Jack-o’-Lantern face!
Here’s even more pumpkin craft ideas:
Yarn Pumpkins using Balloons
Beaded Pipe Cleaner Pumpkins
3D Paper Pumpkin Craft
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!
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