In today’s post: Teach your kids how to make paper pumpkins for a fun kids’ craft that doubles as a cute Halloween decoration.
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 paper pumpkins fit the bill perfectly.
How to make paper pumpkins
I originally saw the idea for making paper pumpkins 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 colors and prints (and they are!), and I made three different sizes of pumpkins, all using standard 12×12 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 chevron pumpkin was made using 16 strips, while the rest of the pumpkins used 20-24 strips. Decide which look you like best and go for it.
- You can make 2-3 small pumpkins or 1 medium pumpkin from one 12×12 sheet of paper, while a larger pumpkin (like the black chalkboard one) will take 2 sheets of 12×12 paper
- You’ll want to use either a small hole punch (like a cropodile) or a thumbtack to make the holes in your paper strips – a standard size hole punch will be too large
Here are the instructions:
How to make paper pumpkins:
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 paper pumpkin 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.
Want more fun Halloween projects for kids? Visit these posts:
Easy Halloween cookies you can make with your kids
Bella says
These are just beautiful. So tastefully done!
Printabelle says
Those look so nice, I especially like the brown one with text. Lovely.
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says
Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts – you were featured today! – Mandy, http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
Christina at I Gotta Create! says
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 says
Luv them…gonna make them this week end with the girls while Shelby is gone. xoxoxo
Katie says
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 says
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 says
I featured your pumpkins today on my pumpkin round up. I love them!
Katie
http://www.funhomethings.com
carolyn - homewok says
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.
Megan @ Our Pinteresting Famiyl says
These are so beautiful! I really love the paper that you chose. I found your project at the Tatertots & Jello party. 🙂
deonna says
these are so cute but simple. I am having a craft party this week and these might be on the table now. I love love love paper crafts
[email protected] of a Serial do-it-yourselfer says
These are so pretty and your tutorial is excellent! I’d love to invite you to share these at our Get Your DIY on Fall Party Challenge. This week’s theme is pumpkins and these would be perfect! http://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/get-your-diy-on-pumpkins-features/
Hope to see you there!
XO,
Christy
chestionare auto says
E cel mairelevant paragraf despre easy patterned paper pumpkins kids can do it!.
Mult success!
Susan says
two of my favorite things, paper and pumpkins and kid friendly! thanks for the awesomee tutorial.
3LittleBirds says
These are beautiful! Thank you for sharing- I am going to make these with my child’s 3rd grade class this Friday at their Fall Party. Instead of a wire, I’m going to use a brown pipe cleaner. I think the kids will love this. I like how easy it is, but yet it looks like it took a lot of time!
gina :) says
What a great idea to decorate my room apart very simple and easy
Jodie says
What a great craft project for the whole family! Thanks for sharing your tutorial Autumn. Our readers will love it! I’ve included your tutorial in our latest Top 10 in Craft. https://craftylikegranny.com/pumpkin-crafts/ Cheers Jodie 🙂
kathrina says
These handmade pumpkins are really amazing. I love the way you created these decorative pumpkins with an amazing paper. Thanks for sharing.