How to Make a Paper Mache Pumpkin
You will need an inflated balloon (blown up to the size of a pumpkin) with a ribbon tied to the end of it, 2″ strips of newspaper, a toilet paper tube, green paint, orange paint, black paint and paper mache paste. The recipe for paper mache paste is as follows: flour and water. To make the paper mache paste you should mix equal parts of flour and water in a mixing bowl with a whisk until it is smooth. No lumps should be left in the mixture and it should be a medium-thick consistency. You want the strips of newpaper to get wet without dripping the paste. If you feel that the mixture needs to be stickier, add some white school glue and stir together.
First cut the toilet paper tube into a small enough size for a stem and attach to the balloon with coated strips of newspaper. To make the paper mache pumpkin, dip strips of newspaper into the flour and water paste, one strip at a time. The more strips you apply over the inflated balloon, the heavier and sturdier the finished project will be. Hang the pumpkin from the string on the balloon or set on a covered surface to dry. Allow the paper mache to dry for atleast 24 hours.
Once the paper mache has dried, stick a needle into the balloon until you hear it pop. At this point, you can paint the pumpkin orange and give it a brown or green stem. If you wish to add a face, paint it on with the black paint or add wiggly eyes. Make several different sizes for your very own pumpkin patch or set them out on your porch for guests to see. After Halloween is over, store these paper mache pumpkins very carefully in a safe place to enjoy for years to come!
