Sometimes a classic craft that has been around a while is the perfect solution for a crafting dilemma! This Fall craft idea is going to review the basics of making toilet paper pumpkins AND put a few new spins on how to spice them up a bit!
The best part of this craft is you can do it with anyone and everyone… and end up with an adorable craft.
NO MATTER HOW CRAFTY THEY ARE!
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PERFECT Fall Craft Idea For Kids & Adults Alike
The BEST part of this craft is it’s great for kids and adults!
If you are trying to find a craft that everyone will walk away from HAPPY with the craft they created, this is definitely what you are looking for.
Years ago, when leading a MOPS group we made these.
They ALL came out great.
Even better, it’s SUPER cheap.
Plan this for a kids craft when you’re planning something for a group of kids!
You can also plan this for a family gathering. Grandparents and grandkids can all create their own pumpkin!
And it takes no time to make!
Fall Craft Idea: Toilet Paper Pumpkins 4 Ways
Supplies Needed for Toilet Paper Pumpkin Craft
Making toilet paper pumpkins definitely isn’t rocket science.
I’m going to give you the basics and then provide some new spins on this classic fall craft.
The supplies listed will make 5 pumpkins.
Supplies Needed:
- 5 Rolls of toilet paper
- 1/4 yard of fabric (5 different fabrics)
- 1/4 yard will make 2 pumpkins if you don’t care about having more variety in patterns
- Jute or Twine
- Corks
- Burlap Leaves
- Scissors
- Wooden Spoon
Read all the way through before you purchase your supplies.
The options provided at the bottom of the post may change your supply list a bit.
Cut Your Fabric
Getting started is so simple!
Lay out your 1/4 yard of fabric flat.
The fabric is folded in half so you will cut up the fold to create two pieces of fabric.
TIP: Even if you are buying more than 1/4 yard, have the fabric cut in 1/4 yard lengths. This will make prepping the fabric way faster!
It’s best to cut all of your fabric to start. Especially if you are preparing supplies for a group craft!
Start Making Your Pumpkin Craft
Now, lay one piece of your cut fabric flat.
Set your toilet paper roll in the center of your fabric.
Unwind the toilet paper roll about 10 times.
This is important to make your pumpkin less rigid with the perfectly formed edges that the roll normally has.
You can experiment with how much you want to unroll your “pumpkin” base.
I will go over that a bit more below.
Shape Your Pumpkin
Next, it’s time to wrap your toilet paper roll to shape your pumpkin.
It’s important to wrap it loosely enough that you add texture to the roll but not so loose that it falls down.
The image above shows how to wrap loosely and then tuck the toilet paper into itself to hold it in place.
That’s it for this step!
Super simple and fast!
Wrap Your Pumpkin
Fall craft ideas are everywhere but few are as simple as this!
First, gently pull one corner of your fabric up and over, across the center of your pumpkin.
Next, tuck the end into the center of the toilet paper roll.
Do this using your wooden spoon.
Finally, turn your pumpkin and repeat!
It’s that simple!
Ways To Wrap Your Pumpkin
As you wrap your pumpkin, there are a few simple ways to take this Fall craft idea and manipulate it a bit.
The picture above shows how.
For a tighter or neater pumpkin follow these steps.
Start by taking the loose edge shown in the picture on the left and pulling it gently away from the area of the pumpkin you just wrapped.
Then, pull the fabric straight up and tuck it into the center of the toilet paper roll (shown on the right).
Notice how clean the edges of your pumpkin are using this method.
Manipulate the shape of your pumpkin by using this method with tighter and looser folds.
“Fluff” Your Pumpkin
All of your fabric is neatly stuffed into the middle of your pumpkin!
Now, it’s time to trim your pumpkin!
Start by adding your leaves.
Using burlap leaves adds more texture and depth to your pumpkin.
These burlap leaves were super cheap and I found them at the dollar store!
The best part about them is they have a wire stem in the middle which allows you to manipulate how it lays.
Don’t worry if you can’t find these. I made them for years with plain ol’ burlap!
Final Step To Create Your Pumpkin
All that’s left to do is to add your stem & frills to your pumpkin!
For this pumpkin I used a cork for the stem.
It’s super cheap, easy and fast!
TIP: If you’re having a difficult time getting your cork stem to stay where you want it, use a toothpick to hold it in place. Put the toothpick in the base of the cork then push it into the center of your pumpkin.
To finish it off I tied a traditional bow (like you would tie shoes) on the stem using twine.
All done!
Now, let’s explore some options to take this fall craft idea to another level!
Fall Craft Idea Option 2
Create a pumpkin patch by making your toilet paper rolls different sizes.
This is such a simple thing that will give you a pumpkin patch rather than a bunch of pumpkins that are all the same size!
The picture above shows one example of how you can pull paper off the roll to create a “mini” pumpkin.
TIP: Use the paper you pull off of your small pumpkins to add “fluff”, or add padding, to your larger pumpkins.
Fall Craft Idea Option 3
This idea to create some variety in your pumpkin patch is so simple and FREE!
If you have made any arrangements or done crafts with silk flowers you probably have some extra stems with leaves sitting around.
If not, go to your local craft store and ask them if you can have some loose leaves.
You only need one or two for each pumpkin.
They get thrown away every day, so don’t be afraid to ask!
The image above shows you how to take a simple silk leaf and add interest to your pumpkin.
A toothpick fits in the base if you need more of a firm base.
Fall Craft Idea Option 4
This is my FAVORITE way to trim toilet paper pumpkins!
I literally went into my back yard and pulled some greens from the plants growing.
You can also use twigs, sticks and branches.
The second picture shows a large grape leaf tucked into the center of the pumpkin.
You can even use sticks or twigs in combination to create a bigger stem.
The last picture shows how you can use your twine or jute to wrap repeatedly around the twigs to hold them together and add a bow to finish it off!
Fall Craft Idea Option 5
The last option provided here is pretty simple.
Mix up textures by adding silk, burlap and natural resources in the same pumpkin.
There are so many possibilities when you mix up your options.
Get creative and try different combinations!
In the image above I used a burlap leaf, baby grape leaves and a small twig for the stem.
Then, I finished it off with some twine.
Easy and fast!
That’s it! Let your creativity flow and just start crafting! Nothing is easier than starting with fall craft ideas that are this simple!
SAVE THIS PIN FOR LATER
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This post was all about how to take a simple toilet paper pumpkin and create a craft that anyone can do. Fall craft ideas are everywhere! Start with this simple craft that you can do with kids or adults alike!
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