Let’s Make a Festive Fall Book Pumpkin Craft

ByHolly Updated on

Have you seen a book pumpkin? This simple craft uses an old discarded or broken paperback book and some paint to make the most awesome book pumpkin fall decoration that can be used for centerpieces or autumn decor.

I have to admit something. I am not a very skilled crafter. It is one of the reasons I feel much more comfortable in a kids activities setting…people aren’t expecting professional results!

But I love to craft!

Book Pumpkin Craft for Kids and Adults from Kids Activities Blog
Let’s make a pumpkin out of a book!

Finding really easy fall crafts that turn out with limited skills and are inexpensive to make is sometimes difficult, but this book pumpkin craft ticks all the boxes and turns out so cute. Older kids will be able to craft their own book pumpkins and younger kids can help with several of the crafting steps.

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How to Make a Pumpkin from a Book Craft

It was great to upcycle an old paperback book I had around the house. If you don’t have worn out, dog-eared paperback books laying around, check recycling bins, thrift stores and dollar stores. They can be any size. The thicker the book, the more full your pumpkin will appear.

Supplies Needed

Directions

Step 1

Trace 1/2 a pumpkin on the outside of the book with a marker – think 1/2 a heart like you would do for Valentines.

Step 2

Use scissors or a exacto-like knife to cut the book along the traced line.  I ended up sectioning the book into several segments (and it doesn’t have to be perfect because you can trim later).

Step 3

Dilute orange paint with water – equal parts paint & water.  And paint just the outside edges of the pages.

Step 4

Grab a stick from outside and use it as a pumpkin stem.

Step 5

Glue the book in a fan around the the stick or attach book covers with paperclip.

Step 6

Add raffia.

Tips for Next Time

This is a great craft for older kids. I was surprised at how easy it was to complete. The only modification I would make is to thicken the stick pumpkin stem with several additional stick pieces.

Yield: 1

Book Pumpkin

How to make a book pumpkin from a paperback book

This lovely fall pumpkin decor can be made easily with a few simple supplies and a discarded or tattered paperback book. Making a book pumpkin is simple and fun...and frugal!

Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Difficulty Medium
Estimated Cost $5

Materials

  • old paperback book
  • orange paint
  • water
  • stick
  • rafia
  • glue or paperclip

Tools

  • paint brush
  • scissors/sharp edge cutter
  • marker

Instructions

  1. Trace 1/2 a pumpkin on the book cover with a marker.
  2. Using sharp scissors or an exacto knife cut the book through the pages along the drawn line. You can trim later if needed.
  3. Dilute orange paint with equal parts water and paint the outside edge of the book pages.
  4. Use a stick or several sticks as the stem of the book and glue in place.
  5. Fan the book by bending it back so the cover pages meet and glue or paperclip in place.
  6. Add rafia to the pumpkin stem.
© Holly
Project Type: DIY / Category: Kids Crafts

More Pumpkin Crafts & Fun from Kids Activities Blog

How did your book pumpkin craft turn out? Wasn’t that fun to make?

Kids Activities Blog is Holly's blogging home.

She is the co-author of 101 Kids Activities that are the Bestest, Funnest Ever! and The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments.

She is the mom of three boys ages 13, 15 & 17 who partially homeschools. She believes that you shouldn't have to buy stuff to have fun when there is a kitchen junk drawer full of possibilities.

One Comment

  1. thank you for the new ideas.

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