Learn how make a simple paper pumpkin craft with only cardstock and a little glue!
It’s the time of year for all things pumpkin! My craft room has turned into a pumpkin patch over the last few weeks, bursting with adorable fall decor and pumpkin crafts like lanterns, layered designs, and more. Now I’ve got a fun way to make a simple addition to your fall-time decorating. My new paper pumpkin craft is simple enough for the whole family to try on an autumn afternoon. The best part? This easy pumpkin craft only uses two simple materials!
First, download my free design files. The link is below, at the end of the materials list. In the tutorial below that, I show you how to take the cut pieces and transform them into a pumpkin shape. Then I’ll walk you step-by-step through making and attaching a rolled cardstock pumpkin stem. Finally we’ll add the finishing touch: a cute green leaf attached to the top of the pumpkin.
This paper pumpkin craft comes together really fast, and there are photos to guide you through the process below. Like most simple paper crafts, you only need a few simple supplies from my materials list below to make them!
First, you’ll need some paper. I used 65 lb. orange cardstock to make a traditional orange pumpkin, white cardstock to make a white pumpkin, and then tried seasonal patterned paper for a fun twist. I have some favorite paper options linked below. You don’t just have to use the cardstock from my materials list — you can also use scrapbook paper, glitter papers, or another type of paper to make this paper craft. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of paper, different paper colors, and various paper patterns to create a whole bunch of pumpkins that are uniquely yours!
I cut my pumpkin pieces using my Cricut Maker 3, but you can use an original Maker, a Cricut Explore series machine, or the Cricut Venture to make the full size pumpkins. You can also make a small pumpkin with the Cricut Joy or Joy Xtra — just be careful when assembling the pumpkin, as it’s quite tiny!
You’ll need a StandardGrip machine mat, and a brayer can help make sure the paper is well-adhered to the mat for nice, smooth cuts. When assembling, you’ll need some good quality craft glue to hold the pumpkin together. It’s so easy, and remember — I have pictures to illustrate the whole process below!
It’s so much fun to spice up your fall decor with these cute little pumpkins! Make a bunch in different patterns and sizes to decorate your fireplace mantel, or make just a couple to tuck into spots in need of an autumn touch. You can even make some to coordinate with your Thanksgiving dinner table decor.
As we get closer to Halloween, I hope you’ll try this fun fall craft!
Let me show you how easy it is to make a simple paper pumpkin! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
Materials to Make a Simple Paper Pumpkin
View my Amazon list to see exactly what I used!
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- Three (3) Sheets of 8.5″ x 11″ Recollections Essentials 65 lb. Cardstock (I used orange, green, and brown) -OR-
- One (1) Sheet of 12″ x 12″ 65 lb. Autumn Pattern Paper
- A way to cut your materials – I’m using the Cricut Maker 3, but you can also use the Cricut Maker, a Cricut Explore Series machine, the Cricut Venture, or even the Cricut
- Cricut Green StandardGrip Machine Mat 12″ x 12”
- Brayer
- Craft Glue (I used Bearly Art Precision Glue)
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- Design #656 (My free SVG/DXF/PDF design files are available in my free resource library – get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)
How to Make a Paper Pumpkin Craft
Paper Pumpkin Craft
This simple and fun Paper Pumpkin Craft goes together in a flash with just cardstock and craft glue!
Materials
- Three (3) Sheets of 8.5" x 11" 65 lb. Cardstock (I used orange, green, and brown) -OR-
- One (1) Sheet of 12” x 12” 65 lb. Autumn Pattern Paper
- Design #656 (My free SVG/PDF/DXF design files are available in my free resource library - get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)
Tools
Instructions
STEP 1: GET MY PAPER PUMPKIN CRAFT DESIGNS
First, download my Simple Paper Pumpkin files from my free library -- look for Design #656. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.
Inside the folder you’ll find an SVG version of my file for use with cutting machines. There is also a DXF cut file, and a PDF version you can print and cut by hand.
TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.
STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR PAPER PUMPKIN CRAFT DESIGN
CRICUT DESIGN SPACE
- In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
NOTE: If you’re new to using Cricut Design Space, go to cricutkickoff.com for my introductory tutorial on Design Space basics. - Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
- Click “Browse” and select the “pumpkin-craft” SVG file.
- Click “Open,” and then “Continue.”
- Click “Upload” to add the design to your Canvas.
NOTE: This design has a pumpkin base with eight sides, a stem piece, a leaf, and a center support piece.
- If you want to resize the design, keep it grouped with the “Lock” icon closed to maintain the proportions. Then adjust the “Width (W)” field in the Size menu. The “Height (H)” field will adjust to match automatically.
NOTE: If resizing for the Cricut Joy, I recommend the maximum Joy width of 4.25”. Keep in mind, the smaller the pumpkin, the trickier it will be to assemble! - Your project is ready to cut!
NOTE: If you’d like to match any pieces to the color of cardstock you’ll cut them from, click the icon to “Ungroup” the design, select the piece you want to change, and then use the Color Box at the top to choose a new option.
CUTTING
- Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
- Click “Make.”
- On the Prepare screen, make sure the correct Material Size is selected for your mats.
NOTE: I used “8.5 in x 11 in” to match my solid cardstock sheets and 12 in x 12 in” for my pattern cardstock. - Select the first mat again and click “Continue.”
- On the Make Screen, set the “Material Settings” for your first mat.
NOTE: I used the “Medium Cardstock - 80 lb (216 gsm)” setting with “More” Pressure for my 65 lb cardstock.
TIP: If your materials are all the same type, check the box for “Remember material settings” to save time. - Place your first mat’s material face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
- Use a brayer to make sure it’s fully adhered.
- Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
- Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
- Press the flashing “Go” button to begin cutting.
- When it has finished cutting, don’t unload the mat right away. Instead, gently lift a corner to make sure the material is cut all the way. If not, press the “Go” button again to make the same cuts in the same spots.
- When the cuts are complete, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the cardstock.
TIP: If you have any issues with your cuts, go to jennifermaker.com/cleaner-cuts. - Repeat Steps 6-12 to cut and release the cardstock for your remaining mats.
TIP: Make sure to match your cardstock colors with the proper mats in Design Space. - Lay all your cut pieces face up.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE YOUR PAPER PUMPKIN CRAFT
- Fold the center support piece up where the sides meet the larger circle in the middle, then fold the smaller circles down at the ends so they face each other.
- Use a small dot of craft glue to adhere the two smaller circles, one on top of the other.
- Turn the pumpkin base face (pretty side) down and add a dot of craft glue in the center.
- Place the support piece’s end with the larger circle onto the dot of glue and press down to adhere.
- Think of your pumpkin base like a compass with North at the top. Rotate your base so the support piece’s sides are facing toward the North and South.
- Add a small dot of craft glue to the top layer of the support piece.
- Carefully fold up the pumpkin’s South panel so the circle at its tip aligns with the circle on top of the support piece, then pinch to adhere the two circles together.
TIP: Insert your finger in the support piece so you can pinch from the top and bottom to secure the circles well. - Repeat Steps 6-7 to adhere the North panel to the center support piece.
- Repeat Steps 6-7 to adhere the East and West panels.
- Then repeat Steps 6-7 to adhere the four panels in the intermediate positions.
TIP: You won’t be able to pinch the last panel to secure it, so hold it in place from the top until the glue sets. - Fold the leaf in half the longways to give it a slight crease line.
NOTE: The leaf isn’t symmetrical, so your fold won’t be exact. - Roll up the stem from one short end to the other to make a tube shape, then seal it with a small amount of craft glue.
- Add a dot of craft glue to the top of your pumpkin, then press to adhere the leaf in place with the edges going up.
- Add a dot of craft glue to the base of the leaf, then press one end of the stem to the leaf to adhere it.
STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF!
You now have a super cute and simple Paper Pumpkin! Explore different size and color options to create your own pumpkin patch!
Notes
Finished sizes:
Regular: 3" W x 2.5" H
Joy-sized: 1.5” W x 1” H
Answers to Your Questions About Making Paper Pumpkins
Q: Can you teach me how to make a 3D Halloween pumpkin?
A: I sure can! Just follow the instructions above to learn how to make a whole pumpkin patch full of cute paper gourds for autumn. Whipping up some quick and easy pumpkins is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon, and it’s perfect for crafting with younger kids, or getting older kids involved in creating their own seasonal decorations. Happy crafting!
Q: What Cricut blade should I use for cardstock?
A: The Cricut Fine Point Blade is my favorite blade for cutting cardstock and a long list of materials like most other paper projects, glitter cardstock, poster board, vinyl, and most other popular materials used in many craft projects. It’s versatile, comes standard with your Cricut machine, and gives the best results on these basic materials time and time again — especially when you keep your blade clean for a nice, clean cut!
Q: What can I make with my Cricut for Halloween?
A: You can use your Cricut or other cutting machine to make lots of projects for Halloween! Check out these ideas, and find more on my blog:
- Spooky Halloween Lanterns
- Halloween Watercolor Cards
- Paper Haunted Houses
- Layered Paper Pumpkin Art
- Halloween Countdown Calendar
- 3D Pumpkin Lanterns
Q: Can I cut these pumpkins on a Cricut Joy Xtra or original Cricut Joy?
A: You can absolutely cut these on a Cricut Joy Xtra, but I had trouble assembling a smaller version I cut with my original Cricut Joy because the pieces were really small.
Q: Do I have to use a Cricut to cut my pumpkin pieces?
A: No! You can choose how to make a pumpkin from paper that works with your equipment, or even just with scissors. We always include several versions of each free file in the free download ZIP file. If you have a Silhouette Cameo, which uses Silhouette Studio, you can use the DXF file in Silhouette Basic Edition. If you have upgraded to Silhouette Designer Edition, Designer Edition Plus, or Business, you can use the SVG format with your Silhouette machine to cut each intricate design. If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can print and then cut out my digital download PDF files, too! The ZIP archive in my resource library includes these file types and more!
Q: What kind of paper should I use?
A: I made the pumpkins in my paper pumpkin craft with 65 lb. cardstock, but if you want to use a different kind, I recommend saving heavier cardstock for larger pumpkins and using lighter cardstock for smaller ones, because the tiny curved panels will be more likely to stay adhered with the glue if the cardstock is less stiff.
Q. Where can I find help with this and other crafts?
A. Join my Facebook group just for Cricut crafters and makers! Our unofficial “help center,” my group is a vibrant community of real people who love to support, inspire, and share ideas! You can meet and learn from hobby crafters who are learning and fine-tuning new skills, as well as creative entrepreneurs making amazing and special goods for their small businesses. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to get expert support from our team here at JenniferMaker!
Get my free SVG files to make your own paper pumpkin craft!
(If you do not see the signup form above, click here.)
I love seeing what you make with my designs and how you use them! Inspire others and share a photo of your paper pumpkin craft in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.
Love,
Want to remember this? Save this Simple Paper Pumpkin Tutorial to your favorite Pinterest Board!
