How To Make A Paper Mache Pumpkin (DIY Papier Mâché Pumpkins)

Let's dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make your very own DIY paper mache pumpkin for a fantastic Halloween display and to add some homemade elements to your fall decor this halloween season.

A spooky Halloween paper mache pumpkin tutorial featuring a creepy spider and flickering candles on a shelf.

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you visit a link and buy something. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn't cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust. I may have been sent some of the products in this post free of charge or paid to feature them here. Thank you for supporting this blog.

Jump to:

Materials You Will Need:
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Step 2: Rip Newspaper into Small Squares
Step 3: Create the Papier Mache Paste
Step 4: Shape the Pumpkin
Step 5: Prepare for Mess and Start Layering
Step 6: Apply Papier Mache Layers
Step 7: Allow the Pumpkin to Dry
Step 8: Remove the Balloon and Add a Face
Step 9: Get Painting!
Step 10: Illuminate Your Pumpkin
Shop this post

I love making seasonal crafts with my kids. This year, with a larger house, we needed more Halloween decorations to spruce up our porch real pumpkin display and make it extra spooky. There are so many actual pumpkins I can carve so after brainstorming various craft ideas and having a little creativity run we decided that creating paper mache pumpkins would be perfect. Not only are they fun to make, but they can also be brought out year after year, becoming a cherished part of our Halloween traditions.The best thing about this fun craft is that you can easily make it with items you probably already have lying around the house.

Materials You Will Need:

1. Flour

2. Water

3. Balloon

4. Newspaper

5. String

6. Toilet paper roll

7. Tape

8. Disposable Gloves

9. Paint (various colors for decoration)

10. Electric tea light (for illumination)

Step 1: Prepare the Materials

To get started, gather all the necessary materials. You can use items from your kitchen and recycling bin for this project, which makes it both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Cover your work surface with an old tablecloth or plastic trash bags to make the clean up easier. Now, let's get crafting!

Step 2: Rip Newspaper into Small Squares

A paper mache pumpkin tutorial displayed on a polka dot table.

Begin by tearing the newspaper into small squares. These squares will be used to create the layers of your paper mache pumpkin. Be sure to have a generous supply of newspaper squares prepared, as you'll need quite a few. You could always collect newspapers in a plastic bag for a couple of weeks in preparation.

Step 3: Create the Papier Mache Paste

A pink cup with a spoon in it, decorated using a paper mache pumpkin tutorial.

Next, mix a paper mache paste using flour and water. Use equal parts flour to one parts water and then adjust the consistency from there, adding more flour if you want the mixture to be thicker, or more water if you would like a thinner paste. You can also opt to use slightly watered-down PVA glue if you have it available. Stir the mixture until you achieve a smooth and thick consistency. This paste will help adhere the newspaper strips to your balloon.

Step 4: Shape the Pumpkin

A child is making a paper mache balloon.

Blow up the balloon to your desired size for the pumpkin. We blew ours up to a beach ball size. Tie a string around it tightly. This string will create the ridges of the pumpkin shape, giving it that classic pumpkin appearance. Trim the toilet paper roll to the appropriate size and then tape it securely to the top of the balloon to form a pumpkin stem.

Step 5: Prepare for Mess and Start Layering

A girl is showcasing her paper mache pumpkin tutorial while holding up a pair of white gloves.

Place the balloon on a bowl or another stable surface to keep it from rolling around. Now, put on your disposable gloves as this craft can get quite messy, and the gloves will make cleanup a breeze.

Step 6: Apply Papier Mache Layers

A person wearing a pair of white gloves while following a paper mache pumpkin tutorial.

Dip the strips of newspaper into the flour paste and stick them onto the balloon. You want the paper to be covered in paste but not soaked so that it is paper pulp! Cover all over until the first layer is complete. Continue this process with a second layer of paper mache, and then another until the entire surface of the balloon is covered with several layers of newspaper. This layering will create the thickness and texture of your pumpkin. Make sure to leave an opening around the base of the pumpkin for the cut you'll make later to ensure it can stand on its own.

Step 7: Allow the Pumpkin to Dry

A white chair showcases a paper pumpkin in this tutorial.

After completing the paper mache layers, allow your paper mâché pumpkin to dry. Place it in a warm location to speed up the drying process. Depending on the size of your balloon and the number of layers, this can take up to 24 hours. We had ours in front of a radiator, which worked perfectly. Make sure that the entire pumpkin is dry before the next step.

Step 8: Remove the Balloon and Add a Face

A pumpkin-shaped paper mache craft with a hole at the top.

Once your paper mache pumpkin is thoroughly dry, cut a small hole in the bottom of the pumpkin to create a flat base so it can stand on its own. Afterward, gently pop the balloon inside and pull the entire balloon out through the opening. Now, your pumpkin has taken shape and is ready to be decorated.

A paper mache egg craft using newspaper and scissors.

Get creative and draw a spooky or silly pumpkin face on your craft. You can make it as friendly or as eerie as you like. A traditional jack-o-lantern face is always popular. Once you have the design you want, carefully cut it out using a sharp knife, scissors or a craft knife.

Step 9: Get Painting!

A girl is painting a paper mache pumpkin.

Now it's time to paint your pumpkin. You can use various colors and designs to create a unique and eye-catching Halloween decoration. Let your kids' imaginations run wild and have fun with the painting process. We used regular poster paint but you could use spray paint or acrylic paint with older children. Don't forget to paint the inside of the pumpkin if you can. You can add any decorations you like - maybe decorate the stalk for the top of the pumpkin with hot glue and brown paper or add stickers or fabric to add texture.

Step 10: Illuminate Your Pumpkin

To make your paper mache pumpkin look extra spooky at night, place an electric tea light inside. This will cast eerie shadows on the pumpkin's face, creating a chilling effect for your Halloween display.

A carved pumpkin with a spider web on it, created using a paper mache tutorial.

The girls absolutely loved making this craft. Creating a paper mache pumpkin is a fun and budget-friendly way to add a unique and charming Halloween decoration to your home. It's a great family activity, and the end result can be proudly displayed on your porch year after year. So, what do you think of our Halloween craft? Will you be trying your hand at making a paper mache pumpkin this October? We'd love to hear about your experience and see your creations. Happy crafting, and have a spooktacular Halloween! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to pin it for later inspiration.