Yarn Pumpkins

Do you want to get crafty and make your own pumpkin decorations? It’s a great activity for the kids on a rainy day or a fun activity to forget your troubles of the day.

Supplies:

• 21 pieces of Orange Yarn, cut into 36-inch lengths
• 4 ounces of White Glue
• 1 Balloon, blown up to the size of the pumpkin you want to make
• 1 Brown Pipe Cleaner
• 1 Green Pipe Cleaner
• 1 Fork
• Plastic Bowl
• Newspaper

Directions:

1. Blow up the balloon and tie off. Take one piece of yarn and tie to balloon, then hang from a kitchen cabinet door handle (or similar place where the balloon can hang freely). Place newspaper underneath the balloon.
2. Pour glue into the plastic bowl.
3. Dunk one piece of yarn into the glue. Get the yarn completely covered in glue. Run the yarn between the tines of the fork to remove the excess glue. Take the glue-covered piece of yarn and wind it around the balloon. Press down the ends of the yarn to secure in place.
4. Repeat step 3 for all pieces of yarn. Dry for 24 hours.
5. Carefully use your fingers to dislodge the balloon from the yarn. If you just pop the balloon, the yarn will be pulled toward the center and may ruin the shape of your pumpkin. Deflate the balloon and remove it from the pumpkin.
6. To form the stem, take the brown pipe cleaner and wrap it around your pinky finger. Attach to the top of the pumpkin.
7. To form the vine, take the green pipe cleaner and wrap it around your pinky finger. Twist around the stem.

Enjoy your homemade yarn pumpkins!

Nancy Roe
Author