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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / {Tutorial} Paper Pumpkins

{Tutorial} Paper Pumpkins

119 · Oct 13, 2010 · 74 Comments

When I first told my friends I was setting out to make a fabulous paper pumpkin, the idea did not seem to astound them as I thought it should. I could see the vision and wondered why their response was so unenthusiastic. I suppose paper has a narrow reputation. People consider it to be a two-dimensional medium containing limited capabilities. I am here to expand that reputation and shed some light on the full capabilities of paper craft potential! Okay, so I'm not going so far as to start an official movement, but I aim to give credit where credit is due. And paper does not get enough credit!

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So enter my 3D paper pumpkins. Pick out some pretty paper, add a little Mod Podge, throw on some good old Rock n' Roll twist music, and voila! Magical paper pumpkins.

Supplies:

  • Scrapbook paper in shades of brown

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  • Scrapbook paper in coordinating designs

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  • Original Mod Podge (matte finish)

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  • Hot glue gun, wire cutter & wire pliers

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  • Floral wire

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To make the pumpkin stem, cut strips of brown paper (I used Basic Grey Paper Pack in Basic Kraft) into 2 to 3 inch strips. Cover strip on both sides with Mod Podge and twist paper into a stick. Make sure paper is twisted tight, and not just rolled up. It should not be a hollow tube. Make several sticks, in alternating colors and widths, and allow to dry. Trim sticks to desired length (slightly shorter than your pumpkin will be tall) and glue several of them together to create a stalk.

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Cut coordinating papers into one inch strips. I used Basic Grey Paper Pack in Capella. Dip a strip into Mod Podge to cover completely, and remove excess. Twist the piece into a tight stick, taking care not to rip the paper, or leave it hollow. Place onto non stick surface to dry. Repeat with more paper strips.

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When mostly dry (as early as 20 minutes) bend each paper stick into a "C" shape and hot glue onto the stem starting about an inch down from the top, and ending by slightly overlapping the bottom. Attach paper strips one by one, shaping them as you go. Eventually the paper sticks will completely cover the bottom of the stem, and accumulate several layers to add dimension to the project. Continue until your pumpkin is the size and shape you want.

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Cut paper into very thin strips (about ⅛ in.) and cover with Mod Podge. Wind paper around floral wire to fully cover, and allow to dry. Use round nose pliers to bend into tendrils. You can also coil the wire around a pencil, but I find this to make the curls a bit too perfect. I like to keep things a little messy and inconsistent. Glue the tendrils close to the stem, and arrange them as you wish.

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And you're done! Yes, I'll admit that this can be a tedious process, but isn't it worth it in the end?

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Here's a few tips I found helpful along the way:

  • Wear latex gloves when Mod Podging (it helps keep things moving faster).
  • Try to be in a time and place free from interruptions, because it's hard to respond with your hands covered in a gooey mess!
  • Wrap your TV remote and phone in plastic wrap before beginning (for obvious reasons), you should have seen my husband's face.

 

 

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Comments

  1. Andrea says

    October 13, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    This is adorable…and doable! I have it bookmarked for a future project.

    Reply
  2. Alisa says

    October 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    Those are SOOOO cute!! I totally ♥ them!!

    Reply
  3. The Autocrat: Haley says

    October 13, 2010 at 3:31 pm

    That is one of the most fabulous pumpkin projects I have seen!! Great idea!

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    October 13, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    This is amazing! Very unique and beautiful. Great job!

    Reply
  5. Jensamom23 says

    October 13, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    Very cute!

    Reply
  6. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    October 13, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    I really like the look…I might have to give this a try.

    Reply
  7. Icing Designs says

    October 13, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    What great idea!! Love this!

    Reply
  8. Danielle says

    October 13, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    Now that's one crafty Emily. 2 thumbs up girl!!

    Reply
  9. Sonja @ Craft-Werk says

    October 13, 2010 at 11:21 pm

    This is paper art rather than a simple halloween pumpkin. You should be in a gallery with that!

    Reply
  10. Gwen @ Gwenny Penny says

    October 14, 2010 at 1:24 am

    This is seriously amazing. I do not have the patience. I'm in complete awe of this project. It looks phenomenal. Nice work!

    Reply
  11. Amber says

    October 14, 2010 at 4:11 am

    What a cute idea! They are so fun! & I can"t believe they are made out of all paper.

    Reply
  12. Sanditerese says

    October 14, 2010 at 4:17 am

    I love this! Another project to add to my list.

    Reply
  13. Jessa Irene (Holiday-Haven) says

    October 14, 2010 at 4:18 am

    Adorable! What a great idea.

    Reply
  14. Wendy Walker Cushing says

    October 14, 2010 at 5:33 am

    Oh Emily!!! Those are fabulous!!

    Reply
  15. Evie says

    October 14, 2010 at 9:11 am

    I absolutely love these!!!!!!

    Reply
  16. [email protected] says

    October 14, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    These are super cute. wonder if you could do this with newspaper and then spraypaint??

    Reply
  17. BKicklighter says

    October 14, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    There is so much of the "same stuff" out there. This is truly original and wonderful. thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  18. Krystal says

    October 14, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    These are so beautiful! I HAVE to make one. I think I'll try doing a great big one. Do you think it will work? I'm featuring this post on my blog if you'd like to check it out. (Friday)
    Thanks for the inspiration!
    Krystal
    sassysanctuary.blogspot.com

    Reply
  19. Rose :: FineCraftGuild.com says

    October 14, 2010 at 9:53 pm

    BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
    So, let me ask you to join in, AS WE ARE REALLY KEEN ON PROMOTING RECYCLED ART:

    Come link up your tutorial article on our website & our readers can find you also: http://www.finecraftguild.com/diy-tutorial-linky-party-16/

    We'd love to show your work,
    Rose

    ps when you 'follow the rules' and create a link back from your website/article, you can easily find us again and come back week after week with new craft DIY tutorials.

    Reply
  20. Lisa says

    October 14, 2010 at 11:53 pm

    That is SO cool! Very creative and it looks so unique!

    Reply
  21. SUZANNE says

    October 15, 2010 at 6:42 am

    Man this is brilliant! I love a new idea and this one is new to me!

    Reply
  22. April @ HomeHinges.com says

    October 15, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    I loved this paper pumpkin so much I'm featuring it on my site today. Hope you don't mind.

    Reply
  23. Christine says

    October 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    I love this project! They are beautiful…

    Reply
  24. Get Nestled In says

    October 16, 2010 at 1:48 am

    I absolutely love this!

    Reply
  25. Mrs. Scrimp says

    October 16, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    I think these are totally fabulous and I can't wait to try making some myself.

    Linked up from my Pumpkin Patch Roundup post at http://scrimpalicious.blogspot.com/2010/10/roundup-pumpkin-patch.html

    Reply
  26. Hanna says

    October 16, 2010 at 5:10 pm

    Hi there! I am your newest follower!! I found you on the weekend linky! I love finding new blogs and your is lovely:) You can find me at http://www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com

    I love your blog design and these are FABULOUS!!

    Reply
  27. Sihui says

    October 17, 2010 at 2:33 am

    Wow, these are the coolest things I've seen for Halloween tutorials so far! I'd love to share it with my readers if that is ok with you :]

    Reply
  28. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming says

    October 17, 2010 at 3:56 am

    Oh My – This is simply fabulous! I love the txture and the unique look. So creative and clever. Hope you are enjoying your weekend! ~ Stephanie Lynn

    Reply
  29. Kari @ Ucreate says

    October 17, 2010 at 4:38 am

    These are made out of paper?! So amazing and I'm so glad my friend sent this to me! I'll be linking!

    Reply
  30. Gay Vaughan says

    October 17, 2010 at 5:41 am

    The coolest thing I have seen lately! I hope to give these a try.
    ~Gay~
    http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  31. Natalie @ Perrys' Plate says

    October 17, 2010 at 5:46 am

    Finally something new to do with the stash of paper I have! (I hate scrapbooking, but I'm addicted to paper) Love this idea!

    Reply
  32. Andrea C says

    October 17, 2010 at 8:53 am

    this is just so super cool and a wonderful tutorial x

    Reply
  33. Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures says

    October 17, 2010 at 11:50 am

    This is so awesome. The possibilities of paper and Mod Podge seem endless now. THis is my favorite pumpkin craft I have ever seen. I saw you featured at Ucreate.

    Reply
  34. Young and Crafty says

    October 17, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    This is so awesome! What a fun project and it turned out so cute!

    I would love for you to link up to Scraptastic Saturday!

    Hannah @ http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/2010/10/scraptastic-saturday_15.html

    Reply
  35. Dawn B. says

    October 17, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    These are amazing.. Thank you so much for sharing your talents..

    Reply
  36. Char @ Crap I've Made says

    October 17, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    Awesome! Not sure I have the patience, though…

    😉

    Reply
  37. Patsy says

    October 17, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    This is absolutely precious. You are really talented. Thanks for sharing. I think this is going on my to do list.

    Reply
  38. Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} says

    October 17, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    These are SO cute!!! I just love them! Thank you so much for sharing the tutorial!

    Reply
  39. Brenda says

    October 17, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    These are awesome!! I have to try them!!

    Reply
  40. Young and Crafty says

    October 18, 2010 at 3:52 am

    I'm so glad you stopped by and linked up! I sure hope to see you next time!

    Hannah @ http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  41. Erin @ Crafts and Sutch says

    October 19, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Stopping by to let you know I featured this over at Crafts & Sutch. Please stop by and take a peek when you get a chance and grab a featured button too! 🙂

    Thanks so much for sharing! Have a wonderful week!
    Erin 🙂

    Reply
  42. Gay Vaughan says

    October 19, 2010 at 7:38 pm

    Thank you Emily for sharing these and your awesome tutorial. I have featured them in my wrap-up!
    ~Gay~
    itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com

    Reply
  43. Jami says

    October 19, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    These are absolutely beautiful! What a unique and creative project. 🙂

    Reply
  44. [email protected] says

    October 20, 2010 at 9:23 pm

    Wow, those are incredible! I just clicked over from Ucreate where they caught my eye. I would love to link to them if you didn't mind.

    Reply
  45. Michelle@Somedaycrafts says

    October 21, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    This is amazing! I love them. I am featuring them at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my "featured" button.

    Reply
  46. Green Willow Pond says

    October 21, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    That is hands down the cutest pumpkin craft I have ever seen! How long did it take you to make one?

    Reply
  47. Spark*Amy says

    October 22, 2010 at 3:33 am

    I agree these are AMAZING! But what is this uninterrupted time thing you speak of? maybe on a weekend!

    Reply
  48. Emily says

    October 22, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    @Green Willow Pond – I did not make the whole pumpkin in one sitting, but I'm embarrassed to say I think the hours I ended up putting into them were no longer in single digits. 🙂

    @Spark*Amy – Ha ha! I have four kids and a husband who works 24/7, but I magically found a whole segment of uninterrupted time that often goes unseen: It's called NIGHT. Who needs sleep when you're making something fabulous? 🙂

    Reply
  49. Brandi Evans says

    October 25, 2010 at 3:47 am

    clever .. and original!!

    Reply
  50. Casie Dean Designs says

    October 25, 2010 at 8:01 pm

    Love this! Really cute idea.

    Reply
  51. Cassie says

    October 25, 2010 at 10:24 pm

    This is awesome! awesome! awesome!
    I totally want to try this with green or red paper for apples!!! Awesome!!!
    I would love it if you came and linked up to my Halloween Party!!!
    http://www.paperissues.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  52. [email protected] says

    October 27, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Great idea! Love the pumpkins!!

    Reply
  53. Laura @ Ms Smartie Pants says

    October 30, 2010 at 4:40 am

    Well darn, I just saw this for the first time, thinking it's too late for this year… hmmm…. wonder if I could make Christmas trees. Adorable, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  54. Cassie says

    October 30, 2010 at 5:28 pm

    Thank you SO much!!!
    We featured you today!!
    http://paperissues.blogspot.com/2010/10/pumpkin-made-of-what.html

    Reply
  55. kim c says

    October 30, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    saw you at Paper Issues. thank you for the fabulous tutorial. I adore this project.

    Reply
  56. Mod Podge Amy says

    November 19, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Oh! These are great – I love them.

    Reply
  57. Donnie says

    January 4, 2011 at 2:38 am

    Looks like a great project when your snowed in. Very good tutorial.

    Reply
  58. Jenny @ An Apple for the Crafter says

    July 7, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    My friend just pinned this and I had to come here because I truly didn't believe they were paper. I'm sorry you didn't get the shock you deserved! I promise to send you pictures when I make mine!

    Reply
  59. ana frazee says

    September 24, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    can’t wait to try my hand at this.

    Reply
  60. Karen says

    October 2, 2011 at 8:24 am

    These are AMAZING!!!! I am going to try this out, can’t wait to have these in my home! About how many 12×12 sheets did you cut up for the pumpkin? Thanks so much for sharing!!!! =)

    Reply
  61. Emily says

    October 21, 2011 at 10:19 am

    Super fantastic. Love it! Is this the same technique used in the 12 Days of Christmas wreath from last year? I have always wanted to try that one. Thanks for sharing your tutorials and inspiration.

    Reply
  62. Alese says

    October 2, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    So Cute! I blog over at http://2crafty4myskirt.blogspot.com/ This Thursday I will be posting a round up of handmade pumpkins. I plan to include this project with a link to your tutorial. Please let me know if you are not OK with that. Great work!

    Reply
  63. LalalaLola says

    September 19, 2013 at 9:00 am

    I have a suggestion, and I think you'll like it! Instead of paper for that inside stem, why not a cinnamon stick? It would smell MARvelous AND give extra strength to the project. … just a suggestion and I'm going to try!

    Reply
  64. Carissa Bonham says

    September 20, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    I love this! I featured your project on Creative Green Living today.

    Reply
  65. Diane Phillips says

    October 3, 2013 at 6:26 am

    I cannot figure out what the wire is for?  Am I reading it and just not seeing it?  I have to make some – – – – TODAY!!

    Reply

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Heather from Whipperberry
Hello... my name is Heather and I'm the creator of WhipperBerry a creative lifestyle blog packed full of great recipes and creative ideas for your home and family. I find I am happiest when I'm living a creative life and I love to share what I've been up to along the way... Come explore, my hope is that you'll leave inspired!

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