Make It Monday: Paper Strip Pumpkins

Want to decorate your house with fall decorations that won't break the bank? Try these pumpkins that are not only super cute but frugal too!

Supplies:

cardstock                                   wood

scissors/paper cutter                string

hammer                                     tape

nail                                             pipe cleaner

 Start by cutting strips of paper out of card stock. Ours were 8.5" x .75". We used 14 strips for each pumpkin.

Using a hammer and nail, puncture a hole near each end of the strips. It was really easy using a piece of wood that already had a hole in it. (My hubby's so smart!) The kids had no trouble using a toy hammer and popping the nail right through. Of course, you could use a real hammer and punch more holes at a time, but where's the fun in that?

 Zac loved being included in the hammering. Smiles all around!

Lace the string (we used kite string) through the strips of paper and secure it with tape. To make it super easy, dab a little clear nail polish on the end to keep the string from fraying and to easily lace through. If you have a hard time, you can use the nail to feed the string through the holes.

String through the top holes. (Sorry, no picture.) Pull the string taut until the paper bows out. Tie a few knots in the top to keep it from sliding out.

Cut a piece of pipe cleaner and fold in two. Feed it through the holes to make a stem.

Fan out the strips evenly to make the pumpkin.

We made some in different sizes too. The smaller one on the right is two-toned to give it a different look. Zac even squished it a bit to change the look even more. 

Or maybe it's because toddlers are trouble and shouldn't have access to paper decorations.

To decorate a shelf, fan the strips half-way, leaving the back open.

And there you have it! Cute little pumpkins that cost a dime. To save them for next year, simply unfan and store. 

Happy Fall!