Fall décor doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes, the simplest paper crafts bring the most charm.
These paper pumpkin craft ideas are fun, versatile, and perfect whether you’re decorating for Halloween, a cozy autumn corner, or your Thanksgiving table.
Grab some paper, scissors, and glue – you’re about to fall in love with these DIY pumpkin crafts.
1. Classic 3D Paper Pumpkin
Cut out six to eight identical circles from orange cardstock. Fold each in half, then glue the halves back-to-back to form a full sphere.
Add a little green paper stem and a curly vine. It’s quick, simple, and the final result looks like a miniature pumpkin you’d pick straight from a patch.
2. Accordion Fold Paper Pumpkin
Take a strip of orange paper and accordion-fold it until you have a fan-like shape.
Connect both ends into a circle and press the middle down to create a flat, round pumpkin. Add a paper stem at the top. This method is perfect for kids because it’s easy and almost mess-free.
3. Origami Pumpkin Magic
If you love origami, try a pumpkin twist. Use a square sheet of orange origami paper and fold it into a plump pumpkin shape.
The folds give it texture that feels far more intricate than it actually is. Add a small black marker face to turn it into a Halloween jack-o’-lantern.
4. Layered Paper Pumpkin Garland
Trace pumpkin shapes on orange paper and cut out six to eight per pumpkin. Layer them together in the center with glue, leaving the sides free to fan out.
String several along twine for a garland. This makes a charming fireplace or window decoration.
5. Quilled Paper Pumpkin
Quilling adds elegance to the humble pumpkin. Roll thin strips of orange paper into coils, then pinch and shape them into pumpkin segments.
Arrange six or seven coils in a circle and glue a green quilled stem on top. This one looks delicate yet festive.
6. Honeycomb Paper Pumpkin
Create a honeycomb pumpkin by gluing semicircles of orange tissue paper together in a stack. When you open it, you’ll have a beautiful 3D honeycomb pumpkin.
Add a cardstock leaf at the top for an extra touch. It’s a Pinterest favorite because it looks store-bought but costs almost nothing.
7. Paper Bag Pumpkin Surprise
Crumple a small brown paper bag to form a round base. Paint it orange or wrap it in orange tissue paper. Twist the top to look like a stem, then add a green ribbon.
It doubles as a treat holder for kids’ parties – slip candies inside before sealing.
8. Printable Pumpkin Cutouts
Sometimes you just need quick. Print out pumpkin outlines on colored paper or white cardstock for kids to color.
Cut and glue multiple layers together to make them pop. You can create a collage or pin them on the wall for easy fall-themed décor.
9. Paper Pumpkin Centerpiece
Cut large pumpkin shapes, fold them in half, and glue multiple layers together to form a chunky centerpiece.
Add leaves and vines cut from green paper. Cluster three or four of these in different sizes for a DIY fall table centerpiece that rivals store decor.
10. Mini Paper Pumpkins for Kids
For a quick classroom craft, give kids orange strips of paper. Punch holes at both ends, stack the strips, and secure with a brad or split pin.
Fan the strips out into a 3D pumpkin shape. Simple, fun, and safe for group projects.
Final Thoughts
Crafting paper pumpkins is more than just a seasonal hobby. It’s a way of slowing down, working with your hands, and creating beauty from the simplest materials.
When you turn paper into something that feels alive – whether it’s a rustic pumpkin garland or a metallic centerpiece – you’re also giving yourself a creative pause in the middle of life’s rush.
The joy isn’t only in the finished pumpkin; it’s in the folding, cutting, layering, and experimenting.
Next time you sit with paper and scissors, remember: crafting isn’t about perfection. It’s about play, and play has a way of making life feel lighter.
