DIY Paper Pumpkins

16 October
Let's talk just for a minute about transitioning decor.


Transitioning decor is where you start out with some seasonal decor that can transition into a nearby holiday or two. Here's an example:


Season: Fall
Nearby holiday #1: Halloween
Nearby holiday #2: Thanksgiving


Using transitioning decor makes decorating so much easier because you use the same basic stuff and just switch out a few items for the holidays.


If you saw my Eclectic Fall Tablescape post then you probably saw those cute little paper pumpkins. Those pumpkins can carry my decor all the way through Thanksgiving.


I originally saw them on the Hobby Lobby website but they are no longer there so I created my own tutorial to show you how to make them.

DIY Paper Pumpkins



DIY Paper Pumpkins



This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission which helps keep my blog up and running but it won't cost you a penny more)! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.


Supplies Needed



I recommend using double-sided cardstock paper because you'll be able to see both sides when you make these pumpkins and the cardstock weight will make them a little sturdier. 


The link in the supply list has so many cute fall designs 😃


DIY Paper Pumpkins


Step 1 - Cut the paper


To begin, cut your paper into 1" strips. It's easy and quick to get evenly cut strips with a paper cutter but you can do it with scissors too.





The length of the strips will determine the size of your pumpkin. If you choose to leave the strips 12" long it will make a larger pumpkin.


I chose to make smaller pumpkins so I cut my 1" strips to about 7" long.



DIY Paper Pumpkins


Step 2 - Punch holes in the strips


Use a hole punch to punch holes in both ends of each strip of paper.



DIY Paper Pumpkins


Step 3 - Secure with brads


Thread all of the paper strips onto a brad and then open up the brad to secure.



DIY Paper Pumpkins



Now start separating and curling the strips and threading them onto a second brad. Make sure the end of the brad is sticking out toward what will be the outside of the pumpkin (see #2 below).


Continue separating the strips, sliding them around so they are next to each other as you go, and threading them onto the brad.



DIY Paper Pumpkins


Thread all the strips onto the brad in the same manner but DO NOT open the brad yet.

Step 4 - Add the stem


Stick the end of the brad into a cork to create the pumpkin stem. Be gentle and go slow, it might want to bend instead of going into the cork. If this happens you can use a pair of scissors to create a little hole in the cork and add a drop of hot glue to secure the brad into the hole if it's too loose.



DIY Paper Pumpkins


Step 5 - fluff and fiddle


Now you can spread the strips out more to make your plump little paper pumpkin!


This is what the bottom of your pumpkin will look like...



DIY Paper Pumpkins



In these pictures, you can see why using double-sided papers is best. I didn't use them on this one and I don't think it looks as good.



DIY Paper Pumpkins



Now push down on the cork stem and hold for a few seconds to smash it down so it looks more like a pumpkin and not a baseball 😂



DIY Paper Pumpkins


Step 6 - Create tendrils


Wrap a piece of green florist wire around the cork and then twirl it around a pencil to create some little tendrils like pumpkins have.


It would be cute to add some leaves too.


DIY Paper Pumpkins


That's it, aren't they cute!!


DIY Paper Pumpkins


I will admit, these are not easy to store because they are so easily smashed but you could remove the bottom brad and store them that way.


DIY Paper Pumpkins

DIY Paper Pumpkins

DIY Paper Pumpkins

DIY Paper Pumpkins


I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial. If you did, I'd love it if you'd share it!


PIN ME!
DIY Paper Pumpkins
Posted by: at 16 October Tag:

Comments by Facebook

Comments by Blogger

  1. Diana PetrilloOctober 26, 2016

    Your pumpkins are adorable, Tania! And there are so many directions you could go depending upon the colors and sizes you choose. Thanks for linking up your posts with us at Vintage Charm :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Diana! They were fun to make and I was envisioning all different kinds like you said!

    Tania

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love your comments! If you want to be notified when I respond to you, check the "Notify Me" button under your comment.