DIY Giant Floating Hogwarts Pumpkins

One of my toxic traits is thinking that I can make something for cheaper than I could ever buy it, and then I inevitably end up spending a shit-ton of time figuring out how to do it myself when I should have just bought it after all. In this case, however, I was actually able to make giant pumpkins for a fraction of the cost. Buying plastic pumpkins for Halloween decor can add up quickly, especially if you want ones as big as I wanted. So, I knew I would have to figure out how to make them myself…or spend hundreds of dollars. The solution ended up being pretty simple: paper-mâché.

To create the giant pumpkins, first I ordered extra-large beach balls from Target. I blew them up to roughly 85% full, then using my twine and duct tape, I wrapped the beachballs (along the lines already created by the color panels) tightly with the twine. The duct tape is necessary for keeping the twine in place, so don’t skip this step.

I found that taking three long strands off the twine and tying them together in the center in a simple overhand knot, and then taping that knot at the base of the beach ball works best. Then you can take two strands at a time, and tie them together at the top (future pumpkin stem). The tension from the overhand knot helps keep all the strands in place. Once all the strands are tied and taped together, you can fully inflate the beach ball if there is remaining space.

If you are having trouble getting the shape you want, deflate the ball more, and retie the strands. You need a lot of give in the beach ball to get the grooves of the ‘pumpkin’ when the twine is tightened.

The next couple steps are slow and messy. Get your strips of newspaper (or paper-mache material of choice), and a mixture of half water, half glue (I used wood glue for this step). Dip the strips of paper in the glue-water mixture and apply to your beach ball vertically. I did four layers, allowing the glue to dry in between. By layer four, I needed to let the interior layer dry out more, so I popped the beachball and pulled it out through the ‘stem’, and then allowed the whole thing to dry for at least 24 hours.

Now is when you can also create the stem using rolled up newspaper and attaching using the paper mâché strips and paste.

Personally, I found cutting out the faces at this step to be the easiest time (the layers aren’t too thick but it still holds its shape pretty well). So, using a sharpie draw your face and cut out using a sharp xacto knife. This part is pretty tricky, the paper mâché can be a bit brittle and flexes in awkward ways as you cut it.

Next step is the paper mâché clay layer. You can buy paper mâché clay pre-made or you can make your own. You need a blender you don’t care too much about, as well as a large disposable bowl. The ingredients are as follows:

I found that the toilet paper was a bit clumpy, and so made the mix bumpy when applied. I didn’t mind this, as I wanted my pumpkins a bit gnarly-looking, but you can always sand in between coats for a smoother look. You can also use pre-made paper mâché clay, which might also give you a smoother finish (I have not used pre-made so keep that in mind). Also remember when sanding to wear a respirator because the dust is terrible for your lungs.

SUGGESTION: I did not paint the interior of my pumpkins and I wish that I had. A black spray paint or swirling a healthy dollop of black or orange paint on the interior before painting the interior would have made a difference in my opinion for the look of my pumpkins up close. (You can see the newspapers on the inside when you get close or light them up at night). I would paint the interior before painting the exterior to make things easier.

Once all is dry, it’s time to paint! grab your favorite orange and brown acrylic paints and go to town. I outlined the eyes, nose, and mouth with a blend of orange and brown paint as well as the creases of the pumpkins to make them stand out a bit more. I also suggest using weathering techniques (sponges, paper towels, and other texturing painting tricks) to give your pumpkins a bit more dimension.

Allow acrylic paint to dry and then use matte clear coat spray paint to seal the pumpkins. I did 3 coats because our winters in the PNW are very wet and I didn’t want all that work going to waste.

Finally drill holes in the top of the pumpkins and thread heavy duty fishing wire through the pumpkins. Attach strong hooks to your ceiling and hang! I added remote control tea lights to mine so they would glow at night. Good luck!






DIYLeanna RetterathComment