How to Make a Papier-Mâché Pumpkin

See "How to Make Papier-Mâché Paste" in the Related eHows to mix your paste. You can also create a papier-mâché bat (see the Related eHows) and make two crafts in one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White Glues
• Round Balloons
• spray paints (orange, brown) or tempera
• Scissors
• large, wiggly eyes
• Newspaper
• Construction Paper (green)
• Needles
• String
• Paper Towel Rolls

1. Make papier-mâché paste (see the Related eHows).

2. Cut newspaper into strips, 2 inches wide.

3. Blow up the balloon to the size of the pumpkin.

4. Tie off the balloon with a long string so you can hang the pumpkin to dry.

5. Create the stem by placing a 2-inch piece of cardboard from a roll of paper towels on top of the balloon. Attach it with paper strips coated with paste.

6. Dip one strip of paper in the paste at a time.

7. Apply each strip to the balloon until the balloon is covered. The more layers you apply, the stronger the finished pumpkin will be.

8. Place the papier-mâché pumpkin on a flat surface covered with newspapers to dry. Push it down so that the bottom flattens out a little. You may need to brace the pumpkin so that it stays upright.

9. Let the pumpkin dry for 24 hours.

10. Insert a needle into the base of the balloon until you hear a pop.

11. Paint the pumpkin's body orange and the stem brown.

12. Cut green leaves from construction paper and glue them to the stem.

13. Paint eyes or add wiggly eyes.

Tips & Warnings

• For an authentic look, cut a piece of flexible grapevine and weave it around your pumpkin. Hot glue the end of the vine to the stem of the pumpkin.
• Cover your work area with lots of newspaper or a drop cloth. This is a very messy craft.

on 11/22/2005 Use a bright-colored balloon. That way, you can see the balloon through the newspaper and know where to add more newspaper.