Around this time of year, the young crafters I know are eager to make just about anything that resembles a pumpkin.
We gathered orange embroidery thread, balloons, brushes, and whipped up a batch of paper mache paste (flour and water).
They covered the balloons in paste and started wrapping string around them.
They kept wrapping…
And wrapping…
And wrapping….
And when their balloons and their hands were both covered in paste, I figured it was time to let the pumpkins dry.
The drying took about 2 days.
And now I have to confess that I’m not always the brightest bulb in the chandelier when it comes to crafts that should be simple to do. Paper mache does not dry clear like other glues. I forgot about that. If it’s put on thick like my crafters put it on, your pumpkin will wind up looking more white than orange!
But we found an easy solution! After the girls’ pumpkins were dry, we popped the balloons and got out some acrylic paints. They painted their pumpkins all over with pretty fall colors. They loved it!
Crafting with kids is the best! They love the process so much and aren’t discouraged if things don’t go exactly right.
They added felt leaves and fuzzy pipe cleaner vines and their lovely pumpkins were finished!
Hope you’re having a great weekend so far!
I love these and the freedom they express when crafting~ We should remember that when we create. Pumpkins can have purple leaves and splotches of red and gold. Beautiful photos; I love the spirit of creation in your home~
@Ella –Thank you so much! My daughter and her friend) had SO much fun, they thought they turned out perfect and were so proud of them. 🙂 Oooh, and I love purple pumpkins, too! 🙂
Hi Scarlett, First off thanks so much for your lovely comment on my painting & video. I hope you drop by as often as you like. Your crafts you are sharing are great! I especially love the celery stamping in the previous post. These pumpkins look like some sticky fun! Link up any of your craft projects on my craft site @ DearCreatives.com I am sure my readers would love to see your creativity! Mr. Linky is open until Thurs. pm if you like. Have a great rest of your weekend. Theresa
Crafting with kids…oh what a treat!
Hi Scarlett … they look like they had fun .. so ne-er mind! How long do the balloons stay inflated? Loved the idea though .. kept everyone amused – cheers and enjoy Sunday – Hilary
@Theresa –Thanks for coming over! And thank you for the invitation, I’d love to join you. Happy Sunday 🙂
@Becky –Isn’t it, though? Just good, plain fun. 🙂 I appreciate your visit!
@Hilary –We actually popped the balloons on purpose and the strength of the dried string continues to hold it up…not sure for how long, seems pretty sturdy though. I’d say as long as they don’t get wet they should last throughout the sesason. Thanks so much for coming over to look at our project!
Hi! I am so happy to find your blog! This is a wonderful project, and I have have paper mache balls on my mind all week. I have been thinking globes for Christmasy fun. I love the string idea and these pictures are wonderful!!! I used to homeschool as well, but only one of my girls. I cannot wait to go look at the rest of your blog. It looks so wonderful.
Thank you so much for the nice comment about my painting.
Daniele!
Hello again. I knew I knew your blog and your name was so familiar, but your blog looks different, so I was stumped. I also did summer of color, and I remember your blog and your work. You blog is blowing me away! It is so lovely. Your artwork is gorgeous, full of life and passion. I want to touch everything, and come over to your home and just sit with you and your children. There is so much emotion here, all so wonderful!
So happy to find you again.
@Daniele -I’m so happy you came over, I really enjoyed your blog, as well, so glad I found you!! My blog is like many others, I guess..the further you go ‘back’ the less ‘pretty’ it is!lol, it’s taken me a while to get the hang of it. 🙂
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
There you go again! Brilliant. xoxo
Oh my goodness..what toooo cute for words. I would love to do this…thank you for sharing. xoxoxo LOVE YOUR BLOG!
@Kristin –You are so sweet, I hope you have a terrific week!
@koralee –I’m glad you liked it, the girls had too much fun! Thanks so much for coming over to visit and I love you blog, too, it’s awesome!!!
Hey Miss Scarlett,
I shared your string pumpkins on my blog…
http://radcrafter.com/2011/10/diy-paper-mache-string-pumpkin/
I think I’m going to steal this idea to create some Christmas ornament decorations for our mantle. I think the kids would have a blast.
Alida
@Alida –Hey there, steal away! lol, hope you post some pics! Love your new site btw, and thanks for the link!!
Hello Scarlett!!!
I’m Aretusa from the blog Petit Pooh Mon Amour.
I loved your idea so much that I made a post about it, here is the link: http://petitepoohmonamour.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-sta-arrivando-10.html
Hope you’ll enjoy it.
Hugs
Aretusa
Nice! My favorite part was that it took two days to dry!
@Aretusa –So glad you liked the string pumpkins! Thanks for the link! I appreciate it and especially appreciate you letting me know about it, have a great weekend!
~Scarlett
@mary mahaffey –Lol, I know it sounds really long! The humidity is high here so it does take a while, probably be only a day in a drier climate.
Thanks for visiting!