How To Decorate A Paper Pumpkin

To decorate a paper pumpkin, you can paint it, add glitter, wrap it in twine, or decoupage it with festive napkins.
 
The great thing about decorating a paper pumpkin is that there are no rules, and you can make it look as simple or as fancy as you want.
 
Whether you bought a plain craft-store pumpkin or made one from cardstock, the techniques for decorating a paper pumpkin are basically the same.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through several fun ways to decorate a paper pumpkin, share a few tips to make your design last, and help you pick a style that fits your space.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Decorate a Paper Pumpkin: Easy Ideas That Work

Learning how to decorate a paper pumpkin starts with choosing a look you love.
 
The good news is that a paper pumpkin takes paint, glue, glitter, and fabric far better than a real one, so you’re not limited by nature.
 
Here are some of the most popular ways to decorate a paper pumpkin.
 

1. Paint It With Acrylics or Chalk Paint

Painting is the simplest way to decorate a paper pumpkin, and it gives you total control over color.
 
Use acrylic craft paint for a bold, opaque finish or chalk paint for a soft, matte look.
 
Start with a base coat, let it dry completely, then add a second coat if the paper still shows through.
 
Once the paint is dry, you can distress the edges with sandpaper to give your paper pumpkin a vintage feel.
 

2. Add Glitter for a Little Sparkle

If you want your paper pumpkin to shine, glitter is your best friend.
 
Brush a thin layer of craft glue onto the areas you want to sparkle, then sprinkle fine glitter over the glue while it’s still wet.
 
Tap off the excess and let your decorated paper pumpkin dry upside down so the glitter doesn’t pool.
 
For a cleaner look, try glitter only on the stem and the ridges instead of the whole surface.
 

3. Wrap It in Twine or Yarn

Wrapping is a cozy way to decorate a paper pumpkin for fall and Thanksgiving.
 
Run a line of hot glue around the base, then wrap jute twine or chunky yarn around the pumpkin, pushing each row tight against the last.
 
Keep going until the whole paper pumpkin is covered, then tuck the end under a strand and glue it down.
 
A twine-wrapped paper pumpkin looks amazing on a farmhouse table or a mantel.
 

4. Decoupage With Napkins or Scrapbook Paper

Decoupage is a favorite trick for anyone wondering how to decorate a paper pumpkin with pattern and personality.
 
Tear decorative napkins or scrapbook paper into small pieces, then brush a layer of Mod Podge onto the pumpkin.
 
Press each piece down, smooth out the bubbles, and seal the whole paper pumpkin with another coat of Mod Podge on top.
 
This technique lets you match your paper pumpkin to any theme, from floral to plaid to spooky.
 

Tips to Make Your Decorated Paper Pumpkin Last

Once you’ve decided how to decorate a paper pumpkin, a few small habits will keep it looking good season after season.
 
These tips apply whether your paper pumpkin is painted, glittered, or wrapped.
 

1. Seal the Surface

A clear acrylic sealer locks in paint, glitter, and decoupage so your paper pumpkin doesn’t shed or fade.
 
Spray the sealer in thin coats outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and let each coat dry before adding the next.
 
This step is especially important if your decorated paper pumpkin will sit near a window.
 

2. Keep It Away From Moisture

Paper and water don’t mix, so keep your paper pumpkin away from damp porches and rainy windowsills.
 
If you want to display your paper pumpkin outside, place it under a covered porch and bring it in when the weather turns wet.
 
A little care goes a long way toward protecting your work.
 

3. Store It Gently

When the season ends, wrap your paper pumpkin in tissue paper and store it in a labeled box.
 
Avoid stacking heavy items on top, since paper pumpkins dent easily.
 
Stored properly, a decorated paper pumpkin can come back out year after year.
 

So, How Do You Decorate a Paper Pumpkin?

You decorate a paper pumpkin by picking a technique that matches your style, whether that’s painting, glittering, wrapping, or decoupaging.
 
Each method is simple, affordable, and easy to customize.
 
And because a paper pumpkin is lightweight and forgiving, you can experiment without worrying about ruining an expensive decoration.
 
So grab a plain paper pumpkin, choose your favorite idea, and have fun making it your own this season.