If you think paper can't be beautiful, then think again! This upcycled old book pumpkin craft is a great addition to your decor. A super fast and easy way to make a simple pumpkin is just what you need for adding a fun project to your list. I love that this is just all cutting, gluing, and a wee bit of painting. So easy, it makes a great craft to make with kids!
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Upcycled Old Book Pumpkin Craft
Here is another great use of those old books I found recently. I love being able to turn trash into treasure, and this pumpkin is just too cute! If you need an additional centerpiece or simple decoration, this is a great choice.
Making something with my kids is always fun, so when I started working on this, I wrangled my son into helping out. He likes working with old books too, so he didn't mind at all. It's easy to show him how to trace out the pattern and then cut through the book pages. Of course, as a mom, I wanted to get him active in creating something, so it was a win for sure.
Since this is so easy to make, you could definitely make it a fun project with kids at school. I would recommend having the paper portion cut out in advance, or at least scored as you don't want younger children working with craft knives.
If you have time after making this, you'll want to make a cute pumpkin button wall art piece. A great addition to any wall in your home.
Is it Better to Paint the Paper Before or After This is Assembled?
Painting this is really a personal choice on how you want to handle it. I found that a simple spray around the edges is easier after it is assembled than before. That way, I don't have to wait for it to dry before finishing assembly.
You can also add a bit of glue brushed around the outside edges and simply sprinkle orange glitter onto it instead. A fun, sparkly pumpkin is always a pretty addition to your table!
Have kids who want to craft with you? Let them make this fun pumpkin paper plate craft. So cute!
What Can I Use to Make a Pumpkin Stem?
I used a little stick and some green ribbon, but a pumpkin stem can be made with all kinds of things. Get creative and make this unique for your home. Below are a few ideas I had that might work for this.
- A small wooden dowel painted brown
- Felt cut into leave shapes
- Paper painted the colors of leaves and stems
- A real branch or stem off a vine or tree
Supplies Needed
How to Make an Upcycled Old Book Pumpkin Craft
Start by removing pages from an old book and tracing a slightly oval pattern onto them, as shown. This will create your pumpkin sides.
Use a craft knife to cut through the pages keeping the binding intact if possible.
Once you have removed the pages from the book, you will start creating your pumpkin. You may need to cut out a few of these groups of pages depending on how large you are making your pumpkin or how closely you want the pages together.
Now, you will start gluing the pages together. You will unfurl the pages and then connect them to each other by gluing the end pages together.
Shape into a circle pumpkin shape.
Once the pumpkin has been shaped and glued together, you will then spray paint it orange then set it aside to dry.
While the pumpkin is drying, take a small piece of green ribbon and tie it around a twig.
Insert the twig inside the pumpkin to create a stem.
Now, your pumpkin is ready to display!
Check out this cute scarecrow clay pot lantern! Another great addition to your fall home decor. You might also want to check out this tutorial for a wine glass pumpkin. It's so adorable! If you are gifting to others, then you'll want to make this pumpkin gift box. It's great for giving kids a few small pieces of candy or even a special way to gift a piece of jewelry or a gift card. Add a few of these little boxes with some of these cute little glitter acorns into a bag or basket as a fun way to deliver a gift to a friend.
Crafter's Tip:
If you don't have old books on hand, check out these vintage book page bundles on Etsy. They are ideal for use in projects like this!
Upcycled Old Book Pumpkin Craft
Upcycle that old book and turn it into this adorable old book pumpkin craft! This is ideal for a busy craft for kids, but looks incredible displayed for Halloween and Thanksgiving!
Materials
Tools
- Pen
- Scissors
- Craft glue
Instructions
- Remove the binding from an old book, leaving the glue in place on the edges;
- Now, you will draw a slightly oval pattern onto the top page that will be used as your pumpkin;
- Using a craft knife, cut through the pages keeping the binding intact and removing the circle/oval shape stack of pages then repeat this 2-3 more times until you have enough pages to make your pumpkin;
- Now, you will start gluing the end pages together and unfurling into a circle with the center open and the open ends of pages on the outside;
- Once the pumpkin has been formed, you will spray with orange paint, not coating the entire page, but lightly dusting over the tops and edges;
- Set the pumpkin aside to dry, and use a small piece of green ribbon to tie around the stick to create a stem;
- Glue the stem in place on the center of the pumpkin;
- Display on the mantle, as a centerpiece, or wherever you prefer.
Notes
You can use any paper you want for this project. If you prefer, using orange craft paper works perfectly and is ideal for skipping the painting step.
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