How to Make a Stunning Paper Mache Pumpkin (Easy High-End Fall DIY)
If you love decorating for fall without spending a fortune, this paper mache pumpkin is one of my favorite projects. It started as a simple experiment with a balloon, twine, and layers of paper, but it quickly turned into one of my favorite whimsical pumpkins. The uneven shape gives it so much personality, and with a few embellishments, it looks like something you would find in a high-end boutique.
Whether you’re decorating for autumn, creating a centerpiece, or simply love unique pumpkins, I’ll show you exactly how I made this budget-friendly paper mache pumpkin from start to finish.
Here I go again .. working on another pumpkin! I just so love to work on them .. This year I am a big obsessed with wonky. Promise details will not be forgotten in this fall pumpkin project. Today I like to share an experiment that I didn’t have big hopes with. Let me tell you it was bumpy from the beginning but final result is just stunning! At least in my eyes. Let’s try paper mache pumpkin! Shall we? Let’s make stunning high end looking budget friendly pumpkin. Are your ready for some cool paper pumpkin diy ? Perfect fall decor
Supplies needed to make paper mache pumpkin
- balloon
- newspaper or paper towels
- Mod Podge
- twine
- embellishments of your choice
How to make high end Paper Mache Stunning Pumpkin
To begin you need to blow up your balloon and tie your string and begin to make your pumpkin segments. I hope that is how they are called.
I like to pull my twine really hard so those pumpkin sections are more visible. My goal with this one was to create one that doesn’t have even parts…. My goal was to create a wonky one.
Since it was my first time making one I decided to go over my jute twice to make sure my sections are visible. Super excited about that fall decor! Don’t you just love to create on the budget and experiment.
I decided to use my paper towels to start and then layer all with some paper had … actually used my notebook paper
As you go around with layers of paper it is good to smooth sections of your pumpkin so they are showing. I know as much as they can.
I cant really say how many layers i added but I know i added at least 5 to keep sections visible. How to make a paper mache high end fall pumpkin diy
It takes a while for all to dry. My paper mache pumpkin completely harden after 24 hours. To tell you the truth I was a bit surprised to see that it looked a bit different in the morning. All sort of shrunk and there is not need to pop balloon inside
How to make a stem
Decided to work on its personality a bit and made me some whimsical stem . Do you know how to make a stem out of paper ? Check my blog post HERE or watch VIDEO below . I decided to use my paper towels to make a super whimsical stem for this wonky pumpkin to match its style. Have to admit i love me my my paper pumpkin diy
As I was securing my stem to the top of my pumpkin i spotted pieces of my molds laying around so it was no brainer that i need to use them
Super pleased how my leftover molds dressed up my pumpkin! You cant even see that i put together all broken up pieces.
Having that lace around the stem I decided to go with punches and keep my pumpkin white or almost white. If you follow me for some time you do know I love gold tiny accents with a passion. I just couldn’t see it here. … so I turned into my Diamond Dust. You can get it HERE
I could be making pictures all the time fo this little fella! Love all details and its character
Diamond dust doesn’t show much on white but it sparkles beautifully . I so need to make a picture in the daylight for you all to see
Perfect un conventional budget friendly fall decor at least in my eyes.
Here is another un conventional fall decor idea for you! Pumpkin made out of coffee filters! Check details HERE
FAQ
How many layers of paper mache should I use?
I recommend at least five layers so the pumpkin becomes sturdy while keeping the pumpkin sections visible.
How long does paper mache take to dry?
Usually 24 hours, although larger pumpkins or humid weather may require longer.
Can I use newspaper instead of paper towels?
Yes. I actually used both while building this pumpkin.
Can I paint a paper mache pumpkin?
Absolutely. Acrylic paint, chalk paint, or even a whitewashed finish all work beautifully.
Can I reuse the balloon?
No. Once the paper hardens, the balloon naturally shrinks or can be popped and removed.
Little big of spiders that I painted with gold take that budget friendly decor to another vignette that is ready for Halloween.
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This is another awesome paper mache project. This time on the bottle of wine. Check all details HERE
