Learn how to make paper mache pumpkins using balloons, twine, and Mod Podge! This is a fun craft for fall decorating and great for families.
Skills Required: Beginner. The steps are simple. You’ll be inflating the balloon with twine around it, applying newspaper and Mod Podge to make the paper mache, then painting. This idea is perfect for older kids or parents to do with their children.
I don’t know what it is about this year and my fall decorating, but I’m all about the pumpkins! I think that what I’m looking for is decor that can easily transition from autumn to Halloween through Thanksgiving. So I don’t have to change everything out for each holiday.
And we all know that pumpkins fit that description.
Pumpkins are the universal symbol of cool weather! I’ve been trying all sorts of styles including these pumpkin wood blocks, napkins on wood pumpkins, and even toilet paper pumpkins (on my other blog!).
So my next project? Paper mache pumpkins!
While I was shopping for fall crafts at Dollar Tree, I remembered to buy balloons to give this a try. I already had the felt, paint, wine corks, twine, and Mod Podge . . . and then I grabbed newspaper from the recycling bin.
So for me, this project only cost $1.25! Technically less than that because 25 balloons come in a bag. But we don’t need to get too technical. I know you hear me knocking.
You have a lot of options for customization of this project. First, you can use really any Mod Podge formula. I used Hard Coat just to make them a bit more solid, but the Gloss, Matte, or Satin are fine too.
For painting the outside, I used regular acrylic craft paint. But you can use chalk paint as well. Honestly I’d love to try these with chalk paint next!
The topper is made with felt, but you could use craft foam or a piece of thicker fabric. The stem could be a twig or something else that has a similar shape to the wine cork. Feel free to get creative!
Are you ready to make these cute pumpkins? I’d love to show you how to do it. You’re going to love the process!
Prep Time
30 minutes
Active Time
3 hours
Dry Time
1 hour
Total Time
4 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Cost
$2
Materials
Balloons
Roll of twine
Wine corks – 1 per pumpkin
Newspaper
Acrylic paint or spray paint – orange and brown
Felt
Tools
Scissors
Paintbrush
Hot glue gun and hot glue
Clip or clothespin
Notes
If you don’t want ANY newspaper print showing through your pumpkins, consider covering them with white primer spray paint first before painting orange.A fun twist on this would be painting as a jack o lantern! Plus the kids would love it.
Did You Make This Project?
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Did you enjoy this fall craft idea? Don’t forget to let me know in the comments! I’d love for you to check out these other posts:
Confetti Pumpkins • Decorate Paper Craft Pumpkins • DIY Fall Napkin Rings • DIY Fall Sign • DIY Leaf Bowl • DIY Nautical Pumpkin • DIY Pumpkin Seed Art • Fall Leaves Frame • Glitter Acorn Decor • How to Preserve Leaves • Mod Podge Map Pumpkins