Making Pumpkins! An Activity That Celebrates Fall

Pumpkins are a well known symbol of fall. And with all the wonderful shapes, sizes and even hues of pumpkins available, it is natural for kids of all ages to want to create their own pumpkins to have for their own. But the problem lies in that real pumpkins do rot and decay no matter how carefully we treat them. This simple little project is one that can be used as a creative outlet, one that can be given to a "secret pumpkin" friend or one that can even be taken home by the child when finished to be reused season after season.

Materials needed:

paper bag: lunch size works best but if time permits and materials are available, nearly any size will work.

tissue paper, empty plastic bags or news paper crumpled

short length of yarn or string to tie the neck of the pumpkin

orange crepe paper cut into small (approximately 2" x 2" squares)

pencils

glue (regular school glue works best)

short strips of green crepe paper long enough to wrap the neck of the pumpkin.

Opening up the small paper bag, stuff it with bags or crumpled paper until it is a shape you want for your pumpkin.

Being careful to leave enough neck at the top of the pumpkin for a stem, tie it off tightly being careful not to tear the paper bag.

Using a pencil (eraser end up) place an orange crepe paper square on the end and create a sort of topper for the eraser in a cup shape of the crepe paper.

Dabbing glue on the pumpkin (work from the top down) carefully place the crepe paper "cup" on the pumpkin leaving the open area facing upwards. Continue to add these crepe paper cups, placing them close together on the pumpkin to cover the bag well.

When the bag is covered, use the small length of green crepe paper to cover the stem of the pumpkin and you are finished! A work of art that will last for ages!

If you wish to make this a surprise pumpkin, you can add small pieces of candy (wrapped) to your pumpkin by tying them to the stem. Add a note about pumpkins and/or good wishes to wish the recipient a happy fall and you are done! This is a project that appeals to kids of all ages and done with different size bags makes for a very attractive fall display.