This 3d paper pumpkin model template is free to download and will help you create a pumpkin or Jack O Lantern decoration for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Make the model from orange and green cardstock, as I have done here, or use patterned or different colored paper for a unique effect.
This isn’t a difficult project, but it is fiddly. Remember to score and prefold all the lines before starting to assemble the pumpkin.
How to Make the 3d Pumpkin Model
You will need:
- Template (download below)
- Cardstock or heavyweight paper
- Scissors or craft knife
- Adhesive (I like glue sticks, however normal white glue or wood glue will work well too)
- Metal ruler or straight edge
- Bone folder (you will use this for scoring the paper or cardstock and this will help to give you crisp edges to your folds) If you don’t have a bone folder, a knitting needle point, ballpoint pen without ink or other pointed object to score the fold lines will do.
Instructions
1/ Download and print the template. Download the template here – Pumpkin Model Template
2/ Cut out the shapes, using a craft knife or scissors.
3/ Score along the dotted fold lines using the bone folder and metal ruler. If you are not familiar with scoring, we do this to prepare the paper or cardstock for folding. This means using a bone folder (or blunt knife) and carefully drawing this down the side of the ruler along the fold line. This breaks the fibers in the paper and will make it much easier to fold a straight line.
Note the difference between the dotted lines on the template
With the printed side facing you the folds should be folded like this:
. . . . . . . . . . = Mountain fold (folds like ^)
……………………… = Valley fold (folds like a V)
Score along all the fold lines. Match the numbers on the edge and flap and adhere the edges together, with the flap on the inside.
4/ Start adhering the edges together to form the pumpkin shape. I find it easiest to start at the bottom and work up, with the stalk being the last thing to place. Then, if there’s any problem getting the last edge to adhere properly, I could use a small piece of adhesive tape to hold it in place without it being seen.
To Make A Jack O Lantern Pumpkin
Cut out a face from black cardstock or paper to create a Jack O Lantern pumpkin face. Use traditional triangles, as I have done, or try something a little different, perhaps anime eyes or emoji faces.
Tips for finishing your DIY 3d pumpkin model:
- Add leaves and tendrils to your pumpkin. Try using craft wire or pipe-cleaners to create the tendrils
- Make a family of pumkins in different colored orange and rust colored cardstock for a pretty fall and autumn display.
- If you want to make a bigger or smaller pumpkin, simply adjust the size on your printer settings.
We hope you enjoy this papercraft project from Make Breaks 🙂 If you love interesting paper crafts, you may be interested in our new papercraft club:
Sign up HERE!
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