Paper Mache Pumpkins

Directions

1. Inflate a standard party balloon to just over half its capacity. Secure the opening with a clip or clothespin so no air escapes—you'll need to add more air later.
2. Cut a piece of twine and wrap it around the balloon from top to bottom, tying a knot to keep it in place.
3. Add two more pieces of twine around the balloon, crossing them at the top (the end opposite the inflation neck) to create a snowflake pattern.
4. Now inflate the balloon a bit more until it's about two-thirds full, or whatever size you like. This extra air creates the pumpkin ridges. Tie off the balloon's neck.
5. Adjust the twine strands to even out the pumpkin's ribs, making them more symmetrical.
6. Open a newspaper page and cut it into small squares. I made mine roughly 1 inch by 1 inch.
7. Work on one section at a time: brush Mod Podge onto the balloon with a paintbrush, press a newspaper square into the glue, then paint another layer of Mod Podge over the top. Repeat until that area is covered.
8. Continue applying newspaper strips and Mod Podge, covering the twine as you go from the balloon's top down toward the neck. Cover the entire balloon with one full layer, then let it dry.
9. Repeat the layering process two more times so you have three layers of newspaper and Mod Podge total. Allow the pumpkin to dry completely before moving on.
10. Paint the pumpkin with one coat of orange paint. Let it dry fully.
11. Apply a few more coats of orange paint, letting the pumpkin dry completely between each coat.
12. Dip a paintbrush into brown paint, then tap off most of it. Lightly brush the brown paint into the grooves between the pumpkin's ribs. If too much paint gets on, dip a clean damp brush and wipe it off. Repeat for all ribs, then let dry.
13. Cut leaves or a topper piece from felt. This will sit under the wine cork stem. Use a hot glue gun to attach the felt to the top of the pumpkin. If your topper has a hole, cut one so the stem can be glued directly to the pumpkin.
14. Cut a length of twine. Hot glue one end to the bottom of a wine cork. Wrap the twine around the cork, then secure the other end near the top with hot glue. Snip off any excess twine.
15. Attach the wine cork to the top of the pumpkin using a hot glue gun. Allow it to cool completely before displaying.
16. Make a second pumpkin by repeating all the steps. This time, inflate the balloon to a smaller size so your second gourd is slightly tinier than the first.