Thanks for joining this class! We learned how to create colorful, three-dimensional paper pumpkins using simple, inexpensive supplies. These handmade decorations are perfect for adding a festive touch to your home, creating Thanksgiving centerpieces, or enjoying a creative activity with family and friends.

Next Steps: Make Your Own Paper Pumpkins at Home

Ready to give this project a try on your own? Follow the supplies list and step-by-step instructions below to create your own paper pumpkins. Feel free to experiment with different colors, patterns, and sizes to make them your own!

Supplies You'll Need

Paper: At least 10 pieces per pumpkin (copy paper, cardstock, origami paper, patterned paper, or recycled artwork)
Pencil and scissors
Glue: Craft glue, white glue, or a glue stick
Clips or clothespins to hold pieces together
Optional: Cotton swabs for applying glue, Velcro, twine, ribbon, or small sticks for stems

Tip: Double-sided paper works especially well because both sides will show in the finished pumpkin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cut Your Paper

Gather at least 10 pieces of paper and fold each one in half.
On one folded piece, draw half a pumpkin shape, keeping the folded edge at the center.
Cut along your outline and open it to check the shape.
Use this first piece as a template to trace and cut the remaining pieces.

Tip: You can also use a simple circle shape. Your cutouts don't need to be perfect!

Step 2: Glue Each Folded Piece

Open one folded pumpkin shape.
Place one small dot of glue in the center.
Close the folded piece and press gently.
Repeat for all 10 pieces.

Use clips to hold the pieces together while the glue begins to set.

Step 3: Connect the Pumpkin Pieces

Lay one folded piece flat.
Apply four small dots of glue to its outside surface: two near the top and two near the bottom.
Place another folded piece directly on top, aligning the edges.
Repeat until all pieces are stacked together.
Secure the stack with clips.

Important: The glue placement creates the pumpkin's three-dimensional shape. Avoid spreading glue across the entire surface.

Step 4: Let the Glue Dry

Allow the glue to set for at least 1 hour before opening.
For the strongest hold, let it cure for approximately 24 hours.
Keep the pieces secured with clips or beneath a heavy book.

Tip: Opening the pumpkin too early may cause the glued sections to separate.

Step 5: Open and Finish Your Pumpkin

Remove the clips once the glue has dried.
Gently pull the outer sections apart to form a round pumpkin.
Connect the two ends using either:

Glue: Apply four dots, press the ends together, and allow them to dry.
Velcro: Attach small pieces to connect the ends while allowing the pumpkin to flatten for storage.

Add a decorative stem using a twig, twine, or paper.

Storage tip: Velcro makes it easy to flatten your pumpkins and reuse them next year!

Creative Ideas and Variations

Mix colors and patterns: Alternate fall-colored papers for a colorful design.
Reuse artwork: Turn leftover watercolor paintings or decorated paper into pumpkins.
Experiment with sizes: Make small pumpkins for garlands or larger ones for table displays.
Personalize your pumpkins: Add drawings, patterns, or handwritten messages before assembling.
Create family keepsakes: Invite family members to decorate individual pieces with things they're thankful for.

Helpful Tips

Start with copy paper to practice before using decorative paper.
Thicker paper may require more than 10 pieces for a fuller pumpkin.
Use a cotton swab or small brush to apply precise dots of glue.
Craft glue generally provides a stronger hold than a glue stick.
Don't worry about perfectly matching shapes. Small differences add character!

Key Takeaways

Making three-dimensional paper pumpkins is an easy way to create festive decorations with everyday materials. Remember the two important gluing steps: one dot inside each folded piece and four dots between pieces.

Once assembled and dried, display your pumpkins on tables, hang them as garlands, or save them to enjoy again next fall!