Paper Mache Pumpkin Decor

This paper mache pumpkin decor is a perfect fall craft with kids who love gooey, goopy, messy projects. Not only is this a fun and easy activity, it is inexpensive. Most of the supplies can be found at Dollar Tree, or your local dollar store.

No surprise for crafts involving young kids, their DIY fall pumpkin decor may more closely resemble an orange blob than an actual pumpkin. Versions made by older kids or adults may look more like a store bought decoration.

Depending on your decorating style, the kiddo’s pumpkin may earn central display status in the living room, or it may better suited for decorating the kid’s room. However, there’s nothing like a child’s enthusiasm and pride when their creation is used as part of fall decor.

For another Halloween kid craft, create a Halloween felt plush like this witch and ghost. Also, for your mess-loving kiddos, involve them in making a DIY foam board piñata for an upcoming birthday celebration.

Paper Mache Pumpkin Decor – Materials

How to Make Paper Mache Pumpkin Decor

1. Form Pumpkin Shape Using Paper Mache

Blow up balloon to desired pumpkin size. Tie knot as close to the end of the balloon as possible.

Work on a waterproof and easily cleanable surface, as the glue mixture tends to get everywhere. It’s easy to clean with a wet rag.

Mix 1 part white glue with 1 part water and stir. Note: I’ve seen recommendations for 2 parts glue and 1 part water, but we prefer a 1:1 ratio.

Use newspaper, scrap paper or plain printer paper. If using newspaper, apply as bottom layer, as white paper is easier to paint over. Cut or tear paper into around 2″ strips.

Kids young and old can help with paper mache. The kiddo’s age and project mess level are inversely related – the younger the kid, the bigger the mess!

Dip paper into glue mixture, then remove excess glue by running strips between your fingers. Place paper on balloon and press into place.

Apply 2-3 layers of paper in various directions, covering entire surface and overlapping seams.

2. Before Paper Mache Dries, Add Pumpkin Ribs

While the paper mache is still wet, use a sewing or safety pin to poke a hole in the balloon as close to the knot as possible. Enlarge the hole to release air to reduce the size of the balloon by about an inch. Retie balloon.

Cut 4 lengths of string or yarn, long enough to fit around balloon. Wrap yarn around the center of the balloon, pull tight so that paper mache pulls in under the yarn and tie off. Repeat with remaining 3 strings, placing them evenly separated around the pumpkin.

This step might be difficult for young kiddos, but they can try cutting and holding the yarn.

Gently place paper mache covered balloon on a non-stick surface, like waxed paper, to dry. Place somewhere gluey drips won’t matter. Let dry completely. Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and degree of wetness.

When completely dry, cut loose ends from yarn. The strings can stay attached to the pumpkin form – removing them may tear the paper. Pop the balloon and remove if easy (if not, balloon can remain inside the pumpkin).

3. Paint Paper Mache Pumpkin Decor

Set out acrylic craft paint or washable kid paint for kiddo to paint the pumpkin.

Several coats may be needed for good coverage, but avoid thick coats as it may weaken the paper mache structure. If paper mache shell wilts or crumples in, insert a pencil into the shell and gently push out with eraser end. For massive collapses, consider stuffing with crumpled up paper.

Let pumpkin dry between coats. Kids can add facial features with markers or paint.

4. Add Leaves and Stem to Paper Mache Pumpkin

Cut leaves from green felt and attach to paper mache pumpkin using low temperature hot glue. Fold pipe cleaner in half and twist together. Fold in half again, and twist to form a pumpkin stem. Attach to pumpkin with low temperature hot glue. Add paper mache pumpkin to your fall decor!

Let us know how this DIY fall pumpkin decor project goes for you and your crafty kiddos!

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