Paper CraftsNo. 5254 · The 2026 edition
Halloween Pumpkin Piñata
Transform a simple paper lantern into a festive pumpkin piñata with this easy DIY project perfect for your Halloween party.
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This guide walks you through creating a pumpkin piñata using a paper lantern, crepe paper, and cardstock. You will fringe and wrap the lantern, craft a jack-o'-lantern face, install a candy-filling plug, and add decorative elements like a stem and pull strings.
You'll need
Directions
- Expand the paper lantern and cut several strips from the crepe paper, adding fringe to each one. Begin at the base and wrap the fringed strips around the entire structure, allowing the fringe to follow the lantern's natural spiral pattern until fully covered.
- Cut two large triangles and one smaller triangle from the cardstock to form the eyes and nose. For the mouth, cut a jagged shape to create a grinning expression. Attach these facial pieces to the lantern using double-sided tape or adhesive.
- Cut a circle of crepe paper large enough to cover the lantern's opening. Secure a small square of orange cardstock to the center of this paper circle with double-sided tape. Use the large needle to poke two holes through the cardstock, then thread a length of twine through them.
- After the adhesive has fully set, pull out the central wire from the lantern. Slide the prepared plug into the bottom of the lantern.
- Fill the hollow interior with orange confetti, then add your wrapped sweets and chocolates.
- Weave twine through the lantern's built-in hooks to create a hanging loop. Attach a black cardstock stem to the top, and optionally add a plastic spider and black tassel to the pull strings for extra flair.
