How Do You Make A Pumpkin Out Of Paper

You can make a pumpkin out of paper by cutting orange strips, folding them into loops, and joining them together to form a round, ribbed shape.
 
This is one of the simplest fall crafts you can try, and it works for kids and adults alike.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how do you make a pumpkin out of paper, the answer is easier than you think.
 
All you need is a few basic supplies and a little patience.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the whole process step by step, plus a few variations to try.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How Do You Make a Pumpkin Out of Paper?

To make a pumpkin out of paper, you start by preparing your strips, then shaping them into loops, and finally securing them at the top and bottom.
 
Here’s how the process breaks down:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you make a pumpkin out of paper, collect everything you need.
 
You’ll want orange construction paper or cardstock, scissors, a glue stick or liquid glue, and a pencil.
 
A hole punch and some green paper for the stem and leaves are handy too.
 
Cardstock works best because it holds its shape.
 
Thin printer paper tends to flop, so save that for smaller projects.
 
 

2. Cut Even Paper Strips

The key to making a pumpkin out of paper that looks round and full is cutting even strips.
 
Cut about eight to twelve strips of the same length and width.
 
Strips that are one inch wide and eight to ten inches long work well.
 
If you want a bigger pumpkin, make the strips longer rather than wider.
 
Consistency matters here, so measure if you can.
 
 

3. Punch Holes at Both Ends

Take each strip and punch a hole near the top and bottom.
 
If you don’t have a hole punch, a pencil tip works fine.
 
These holes let you thread a brad or string through later to hold everything together.
 
This step is what gives your paper pumpkin its shape.
 
 

4. Stack and Thread the Strips

Line up all your strips and thread a brad through the holes at one end.
 
Fan the strips out so they form a star shape.
 
Then bring the loose ends together and thread a second brad through the other set of holes.
 
Now you’re really making a pumpkin out of paper.
 
The strips bow outward into a plump, rounded form.
 
 

5. Add the Stem and Leaves

Cut a small rectangle of green paper and roll it into a cylinder for the stem.
 
Glue it on top of your pumpkin.
 
For leaves, cut simple oval or teardrop shapes and attach them near the stem.
 
This extra touch makes your paper pumpkin look more realistic.
 
 

Other Ways to Make a Pumpkin Out of Paper

Looping strips is just one method.
 
There are several other ways to make a pumpkin out of paper, depending on your skill level and the look you want.
 
 

1. Paper Plate Pumpkin

Glue two paper plates together with their bottoms facing out.
 
Paint them orange and let them dry.
 
Cut a stem from green paper and glue it on top.
 
This is a great option for young children.
 
 

2. Origami Pumpkin

If you enjoy folding, you can make a pumpkin out of paper using origami techniques.
 
Start with a square sheet and fold it into a balloon base.
 
Then inflate and shape it into a round form.
 
It takes practice, but the result is elegant.
 
 

3. Papier-Mâché Pumpkin

Cover a balloon with strips of newspaper dipped in glue.
 
Let it dry, then pop the balloon and paint the shell orange.
 
This method takes longer, but it makes a sturdy pumpkin out of paper you can keep for years.
 
 

Tips for Making a Paper Pumpkin Look Better

A few small tweaks can turn a simple craft into something special.
 
 

1. Use Double-Sided Cardstock

Orange on both sides keeps the inside of your pumpkin looking clean.
 
 

2. Add Curled Tendrils

Wrap thin green paper strips around a pencil to create curls.
 
Tuck them near the stem for a vine effect.
 
 

3. Mix Shades of Orange

Using two or three shades adds depth.
 
It makes your pumpkin out of paper look more natural.
 
 

4. Skip the Glue Where You Can

Brads and string hold better than glue and let you reshape the pumpkin later.
 
 

So, How Do You Make a Pumpkin Out of Paper?

You make a pumpkin out of paper by cutting even strips, punching holes at both ends, and threading them together to form a round, ribbed shape.
 
It’s a simple craft that anyone can do with a few supplies.
 
Whether you loop strips, fold origami, or build one with papier-mâché, the basic idea stays the same.
 
Now you know exactly how do you make a pumpkin out of paper, so grab your supplies and give it a try.
 
Happy crafting.