Paper Pumpkins

 

 

This week was filled with art. I spent time in a pottery studio, and last night I took a mixed media workshop-- will post pictures soon!

 

I also crossed "make a new blog banner" off  my to do list this week. I wanted a fall theme and pumpkins are my favorite fall decoration. I had so much fun making these paper pumpkins that I thought I would share how to make them.

 

Materials list: Scissors, glue and any paper. I used magazines but you could use news paper, junk mail or old school papers from your child's backpack. Craft paint or makers.

 

Optional: Sewing Machine.   I sew paper all the time. Tip: make sure the needle is sharp, maybe put a new needle in before you start.

First I drew two pumpkins. Then divided them into sections and cut out each section creating a pattern to work off .
Easy so far!

For this pumpkin I decided to use old postcards. I liked the rich muted colors on these cards.

 

Next, I placed my pattern pieces on the postcards and traced around the pieces with a pen. I work in a loose manner and don't mind seeing the ink on my finished pumpkin.

 

Now we need a base. I laid the pattern on a piece of paper and traced round the outside of the pattern. Now I have the pumpkin's shape on the base paper.

 

In this step we glue the cutout postcard pieces to the base paper. I don't worry if the pieces don't line up. Seeing the base paper between pieces is okay with me. If you find you don't like it showing use a maker or paint to fill in the gaps.

 

I love to sew paper! So, I decided to outline my pumpkin pieces in black thread. You can  use paint or markers to outline the pumpkin pieces. Again, I work loose, my sewing is not perfect. I'm not seamstress and I don't care for straight perfect lines. As a matter of fact I often go in reverse, then forward again to get more lines in an area. If you decide to use a sewing machine, have fun with it.This is not a test!

Last step, I cut the pumpkin away from the rest of the base paper. After seeing the photo of the pumpkin on the base I wish I would have left it whole. Oh well, that's the way it goes.

Now what to do with these pumpkins?  Any ideas?  Leave me your thoughts in the comment box. I may have to "bedazzle" these pumpkins. I do love metallic inks and paints.

If you decide to make your own pumpkins this weekend email photos, I would love to see them!

Have a great day and stop back soon!


P.S. Yes, the bugs are real in my blog banner. They are dead, I collect dead bugs. Okay that's creepy but I always find cool things to do with them!    And, the odd white boxes in my post---have no idea what they are. They don't show up on my editing page but when I publish, there they are.