easy patterned paper pumpkins {kids can do it!}

I'm not a big holiday decorator. In fact, other than Christmas, I don't really decorate at all. The thought of cleaning everything up and packing it away after the holiday is generally enough to deter me from buying or making anything cute, but I know my kids wish I would decorate at least a little. (I did make one Halloween decoration already this year, you can see it here). So I set out to find a few things the boys and I could make together to Halloween-ify the place. These easy patterned paper pumpkins fit the bill perectly.

I originally saw the idea and instructions here, but their pumpkins were made with plain orange paper and required paper that's 15 inches long. I figured pumpkins would be cuter with patterned paper in different Halloween-y prints (and they are!), and I made three different sizes of pumpkins, all using standard 12x12 inch scrapbook paper.

Easy photo directions are below, but here are a few tips to begin with:

• stick to cardstock or other stiff paper - if you try making these with printer paper they'll wilt!
• use anywhere between 16-24 strips of paper for each pumpkin. The pumpkins above were all made with 16 strips, but the white one in the photo collage was made using 24 strips. Decide which look you like best and go for it.
• You can make 2-3 small pumpkins or 1 medium pumpkin from one 12x12 sheet of paper, while a larger pumpkin (not pictured) will take 2 sheets of 12x12 paper
• You'll want to use either a small hole punch (like a cropodile) or a needle to make the holes in your paper strips - a standard size hole punch will be too large

Here are the instructions:

1. Cut 16-24 strips of paper in the following dimensions: small | 6 inches long by 1/2 wide; medium | 9 inches long by 3/4 inch wide; large | 12 inches long by 1 inch wide

2. Punch a small hole near both ends of the paper strips.

3. Thread one paper strip onto a 12inch length of medium weight craft wire.

4. Loop the wire around the end of the paper strip to secure it. The pattern on the paper should be facing the short or looped end of the wire (down).

5. Thread the rest of the paper strips onto the wire, being sure the pattern is facing down. Fan out the paper strips slightly.

6. Pick up the bottom paper strip and thread the wire through the hole on the other end.

7. Continue with all the other paper strips in order, always threading the bottom strip on next.

8. Wrap the wire around a pencil, wrapping and curling the wire to force the paper strips into a pumpkin shape.

8. Finished! Add a leaf if desired.

Older children should be able to complete the entire project by themselves, especially if they have access to a paper trimmer to make uniform strips. Younger children can help thread paper strips onto the wire as you hold it for them. Either way, it's a quick project with a very pretty result. Try using script, chevron, diamond, polka dot, or striped papers for a sophisticated look.

Linking to some of these parties:

Monday: Skip to My Lou | Brassy Apple | Craft-o-Maniac

Tuesday: Tip Junkie | Ladybug Blessings | Sugar Bee Crafts | The Blackberry Vine | Hope Studios | Funky Polkadot Giraffe | Not JUST a Housewife | Homework Today's Assignment: Be Inspired  | Shwin and Shwin

Wednesday: Handy Man, Crafty Woman | Southern Lovely | Sew Much Ado | SNAP | Someday Crafts | The NY Melrose Family | Printabelle 

Thursday: Somewhat Simple | House of Hepworths | Momnivore's Dilemma | The Shabby Creek Cottage | Yesterday on Tuesday | Fireflies and Jellybeans | The Taylor House

Friday: Chic on a Shoestring Decorating | The Shabby Nest | Stuff and Nonsense | Naptime Crafters | It's a Hodgepodge Life | At The Picket Fence | 504 Main | Blissful Bucket List

Weekend: Tatertots and Jello

Comments

[Bella]

These are just beautiful. So tastefully done!

[Printabelle]

Those look so nice, I especially like the brown one with text. Lovely.

[Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts]

Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts - you were featured today! - Mandy, www.SugarBeeCrafts.com

[Christina at I Gotta Create!]

Love these ~ satisfies both my love for patterned paper and for fall pumpkins!! Pinning.

<3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Wildly Original linky party is open

[Kathy P]

Luv them...gonna make them this week end with the girls while Shelby is gone. xoxoxo

[Katie]

Thank you for sharing your project on A Crafty Soiree! I've featured your project on this week's new linky post. It will be up at midnight EST. Please come by and see it when you get a chance.

[Christa]

Love these. I just made some yesterday and blogged about it too:
http://controllingcraziness.blogspot.com/2012/10/paper-pumpkins.html

I love the patterned papper you used.

[Katie Drane]

I featured your pumpkins today on my pumpkin round up. I love them!

Katie
www.funhomethings.com

[carolyn - homewok]

I have a special Halloween spotlight running today and I've featured your project.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful creation at homework.