Make a Paper Mache Pumpkin

Here's a craft idea you can do by yourself or involve the kids. Halloween is right around the corner...

Things You'll Need:

• White Glues
• Round Balloons
• spray paints (orange, brown) or tempera
• Scissors
• large, wiggly eyes
• Newspaper
• Construction Paper (green)
• Needles
• String
• Paper Towel Rolls 

1. 
   
   Make papier-mâché paste (see the Related eHows).
2. 
   
   Cut newspaper into strips, 2 inches wide.
3. 
   
   Blow up the balloon to the size of the pumpkin.
4. 
   
   Tie off the balloon with a long string so you can hang the pumpkin to dry.
5. 
   
   Create the stem by placing a 2-inch piece of cardboard from a roll of paper towels on top of the balloon. Attach it with paper strips coated with paste.
6. 
   
   Dip one strip of paper in the paste at a time.
7. 
   
   Apply each strip to the balloon until the balloon is covered. The more layers you apply, the stronger the finished pumpkin will be.
8. 
   
   Place the papier-mâché pumpkin on a flat surface covered with newspapers to dry. Push it down so that the bottom flattens out a little. You may need to brace the pumpkin so that it stays upright.
9. 
   
   Let the pumpkin dry for 24 hours.
10. 
    
    Insert a needle into the base of the balloon until you hear a pop.
11. 
    
    Paint the pumpkin's body orange and the stem brown.
12. 
    
    Cut green leaves from construction paper and glue them to the stem.
13. 
    
    Paint eyes or add wiggly eyes.
    Tips:
    

    For an authentic look, cut a piece of flexible grapevine and weave it around your pumpkin. Hot glue the end of the vine to the stem of the pumpkin.Cover your work area with lots of newspaper or a drop cloth. This is a very messy craft.

    Use a bright-colored balloon. That way, you can see the balloon through the newspaper and know where to add more newspaper.