The Pumpkin Patch
August 29th, 2008
These papier mache pumpkins were created as part of a new addition to our 2008 yard display. They were created from a plastic trash bag stuffed with crumpled newspaper and wrapped with twine then covered with several different papier mache techniques.
The pumpkins started by stuffing a plastic trash bag (13 gallon and 30 gallon) with crumpled newspaper. Once the desired size was achieved a piece of 16 gauge utility wire was run through the center of the trash bag from the bottom to the top. A short two inch section of dowel rod was attached to each end of the wire to prevent it from pulling through the bag. The wire helps define the shape of the pumpkin by pulling in the bottom and top of the bag and also acts as a support for the twine which will be used to define the ridges.
Next a piece of heavy twine was tied to the bottom dowel and pulled tight along the side of the trash bag to form a ridge, the twine was wrapped around the top dowel then run along the opposite side to create another ridge. This process was repeated until the desired pumpkin shape was achieved. Once all the ridges were formed masking tape was used to further define the ridges and smooth out the shape prior to the papier mache process.
The stem support was created by rolling several sheets of newspaper into a tube and attaching with hot glue.
The next phase involved covering the pumpkin with about eight layers of newspaper strips coated in papier mache paste. The multiple layers were key to providing strength once the crumpled newspaper was removed. The bigger the pumpkin the more layers are needed for strength.
The paste used was six cups of flour, one cup of white glue and one cup of liquid starch mixed with enough water to create a thin “pancake batter” type consistency.
My two boys helped out with the strip mache process.
Once the trash bags were covered with multiple layers of mache, papier mache clay was added to the top (while the strip mache was still wet) to exaggerate the ridges and create the stem.
The clay was made by adding the paste and drywall joint compound to some cellulose paper insulation. The ingredients were mixed thoroughly resulting in a firm workable clay. A paint brush dipped in the paste mixture was used to smooth the clay to the desired texture.
The pumpkins were then placed in front of multiple box fans and allowed to dry completely.
Once the pumpkins had thoroughly dried, a hole was cut in the bottom and the newspaper stuffing was removed. The photos illustrate how much paper was packed into the trash bag to create the form.
The process continued with cutting out facial features with a x-acto knife. Once the features were cut from the papier mache shell, one inch strips of cardboard (recycled from cereal boxes, etc.) were hot glued to the insides of the eyes, nose and mouth. The cardboard strips will act as a guide or form when the clay is applied.
The addition of eyeballs was achieved by adding corrugated cardboard cutouts the applying clay over the cardboard. Once the clay had completely dried, the pumpkins were painted with black latex paint then heavily dry brushed with white primer. Diluted acrylics (orange, yellow, brown and green) were brushed onto the pumpkin to give the final coloring.
A few additional things:
The snake. One of the jack o’ lanterns features a large snake wrapped around the pumpkin. The snake was make by wrapping and taping newspaper to piece of wire. The head was created in the same manner as the dragons. The scale texture was made by pressing a circular pattern into the clay using the cap from a marker then distorting the circles with a paint brush.
Also made some leaves and vine. These were made separately and can be attached if desired. The vines were wire wrapped with crepe paper and the leaves were cut from poster board, the veins achieved with hot glue.
One of the pumpkins features arms and hands. Rolled newspaper and magazines were use for this effect. The same technique as used with the “Apt Pupil” prop.
And finally a word on safety. While working on this project I was trimming one of the stems prior to applying the clay and accidently cut the end of my little finger off with a pair of ordinary scissors. The accident was a stupid mistake, a matter of simply not paying attention. Be careful when using all tools because the most painful thing is getting behind schedule. Here are a few pictures of my finger after the accident. After the ER visit, the tip of my finger lying on the pumpkin and the finger after three days in bandages, if you are squeamish you may want to be done reading this tutorial.
Ok, enough with the finger, I will finish this with a few more photos of the finished pumpkins.
