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.

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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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
After completing the paper mache layers, allow your paper mΓ’chΓ© 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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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Erica Price says
Really clever to make the ridges with string.
Milli gRace says
This is a great idea - it looks so fun and less smelly than a real pumpkin!
Angela says
What a fantastic idea. I bet Sylvia would love to do this with me. It's a fab tutorial thanks.
stephanie says
What a great idea and a fun thing to do with the children - I've got my niece and nephew next weekend, I may have to do this with them as well x
StressedMum says
Looks like you had great fun and the finished result is great x
Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops says
Oh what a fab idea! It looks like such fun. I will have to give this a go with Boo, she will love it
Nikki says
Wow these look fab! So effective too! Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year!
Lyndsey says
Aww bless the pumpkins look amazing I will need to turn my sister on to this idea with her two!
L x
Rhian Westbury says
I am so bad with paper mache, I always make a massive mess. But these have come out so good x
francesca says
Oh thats so cool and way more kid freindly than carving a pumpkin!! I should do this with mine!!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
How fun is this! I can't wait to be able to do crafts like this with my little one.
Anna nuttall says
Such a cool idea. Love Halloween craft. I should do this with my niece. xx
Emily Leary says
That's so cute! My kids would love it and it looks nice and easy too.
Tara says
I love Halloween crafts, this looks so fun haha
Milly Youngman says
This looks so fun to make! I love a bit of Halloween crafting!
Nayna Kanabar says
What a wonderful idea and it looks so lovely all lit up.
fashion-mommy says
I absolutely love this idea. Paper Mache is so much fun and really cheap to do.
Sarah Bailey says
Such a great idea! Paper Mache can be so much fun!
Zena's Suitcase says
This looks so much fun. My girls would love to make this so pinning for an activity for them
Hannah says
This is such a good idea - I'll have to do this myself xx
Harriet from Toby & Roo says
I keep trying to persuade my boys to do some paper mache with me but they don't have the patience!
Ickle Pickle says
I love this - what a great idea. Halloween is one of my favourite times of year π Kaz x
RachelSwirl says
Wow this looks fab, fun to make and won't stink the house out!
Annie B says
This totally beats buying an actual pumpkin that will last a few days! Also it's always great fun for you and the kids!
Charli Bruce says
This is a brilliant idea, definitely going to be doing this with my daughter as soon as half term starts! xx
Lubka Henry says
This is a very cool idea and quite interesting to make. Must be a very enjoyable activity for the little ones π
Dani says
Ahh this is great, I might even make myself one this Halloween! π
Dani x