Halloween Paperclay Pumpkin

Pumpkins are a sure sign of the changing seasons! The only problem is that they eventually decay and are thrown away. That's why the Halloween Paperclay Pumpkin from Amanda Marks is so great - it never rots! Make paper clay projects all autumn long to decorate.


 

Materials:

• Creative Paperclay
• Balloon
• Pencil or Dowel
• Fondant Roller (Rolling Pin)
• Sculpting Tool
• Acrylic Paint (I used PLAID Apple Barrel Apricot #20764*)

*I went with a lighter color because it is easier to make something darker than to lighten it up.

Instructions:

1. I took a piece of clay and flatten it out and added a little paint. Taking the clay and kneading it to make the paint mix thoroughly throughout the clay. This is a messy job your hands will be whatever color you decide to use.
   
   
    
2. Once the clay is an even color you are ready to roll the clay out. Using my fondant roller I rolled out an even piece of clay.
   
   
    
3. Then wrap the clay around the balloon and smooth out the edges.
   
   
    
4. Add lines with a sculpting tool. Taking water smooth out the lines to make the lines more refined. Once the pumpkin is to your liking sit it standing up (you may have to gently push on the pumpkin to flatten the bottom) and let dry for 8-12 hours (it has to be dry enough to pop the balloon and not have it collapse onto itself).
   
   
    
5. Once dry to the touch pop the balloon and let the pumpkin dry.
   
   
    
6. Sand the pumpkin to make it smooth. Remember if you want your pumpkin more realistic you will not need a lot of sanding. Brush with a soft bristle brush to dust the pumpkin to prepare it for painting.
   
   
    
7. The stem was a lump of clay that I pushed onto the pumpkin and created lines with a sculpting tool.
   
   
    
8. I took a small piece of Paperclay and wrapped it around a sculpting tool and added the vines with a little water.
    
9. Add the stem and vines to the top of the pumpkin (see above for step by step). Let dry for 24 hours.
    
10. I painted the lines on the pumpkin with Orange Apple Barrel # 20561 to help give the illusion of depth. I then too the Apricot that I used earlier and applied it over the orange. Making the pumpkin look more natural.
    
    
     
11. For the stem I took Hunter Green Apple Barrel #20754 as a base. I dry brushed Fresh Foliage Folk Art #954 and some Raw Sienna on to the stem.
    
    
     
12. Paint (see above for a step by step) and seal pumpkin with your favorite sealant.