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Craft guide
Eight-Strip Paper Pumpkin Craft for Kids
Make a rounded paper pumpkin from eight identical strips of orange cardstock. Two brass brads hold the strips together so each one becomes a curved rib; a green paper stem and leaf finish the fall decoration.
This six-step DIY paper pumpkin craft works well for home or classroom autumn activities. Adults can prepare the punched strips in advance for younger makers.
- Ages
- 6+ with adult help for punching and brads
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Craft Time
- 20–30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Mess Level
- Low
What You Need
Eight identical orange cardstock strips, 22 cm × 1.5 cm each (160–220 gsm); two small brass split pins; one green cardstock stem about 5 cm × 2 cm with a 1 cm fold tab; one pointed oval green cardstock leaf about 5 cm × 3 cm; glue dots or craft glue; ruler, pencil, child-safe scissors, and a single-hole punch.
An adult should handle the brad prongs and help with any difficult hole punching. Keep small brads away from children who may put them in their mouths.
How to Make an Eight-Strip Paper Pumpkin
1Step 1: Cut eight identical strips
Measure and cut exactly eight orange cardstock strips, each 22 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Matching dimensions help the pumpkin curve evenly.
2Step 2: Punch both ends
Punch one centered hole about 5 mm from each short end of every strip. Each strip has two holes, for 16 holes in total.
3Step 3: Join the top ends
Align all eight top holes and fasten them together with one brass brad. Open the prongs inside, then fan the loose ends into an eight-spoke star.
4Step 4: Join the bottom ends
Curve the eight strips gently, align their free-end holes, and pass the second brad through all eight. Open its prongs inside the hollow pumpkin. An adult may need to help reach through the gaps.
5Step 5: Round out the pumpkin
Slide the ribs around the brads until the eight strips are spaced roughly evenly. Ease the cardstock into a rounded shape without making sharp creases.
6Step 6: Attach the stem and leaf
Fold a 1 cm tab at the base of the green paper stem. Glue the tab behind the top brad head, then glue one pointed oval leaf to the stem. Let the glue dry before moving the pumpkin.
Classroom Tips
Precut and pre-punch sets of eight strips for younger children. Give each child two brads in a small cup, and count the strips together before assembly. Make a sample first so children can see how the top and bottom joins work.
For a fall display, make several pumpkins in different sizes. Keep all eight strips within each individual pumpkin identical. Write a child’s name on the underside of the stem tab.
Troubleshooting
Lopsided shape: check that every strip is the same length and that holes are equally spaced from the ends. Loosen the brads slightly and redistribute the ribs.
Paper creases instead of curving: use lighter cardstock or pre-curve the strips around a wide jar before securing the lower ends.
Brad will not fit through the stack: use a slightly larger punch or a longer split pin. Do not force a sharp pin through unpunched paper.
Questions parents ask
How many strips do I need for one paper pumpkin?
Use exactly eight identical orange strips. Each strip becomes one curved rib.
Can I use printer paper?
It can work for a small pumpkin, but cardstock holds the curve better. Thin paper should be handled gently.
Can I make this without brads?
Two small paper circles glued over the top and bottom stacks may work, but they need drying time and make the ribs harder to adjust.
Is this a printable template craft?
No. This version is measured and cut from cardstock, then assembled with two split pins.
