Skip to Content

How To Upcycle Old Books For A Unique Pumpkin Craft Idea For Fall

Looking for a unique pumpkin craft idea for fall decorating? You can make these DIY pumpkins using upcycled old book craft ideas for cheap. All you need is old book pages, foam Dollar Tree pumpkins, and hot glue. You can whip up several unique pumpkins for Autumn decorating for pennies.

Do you decorate with pumpkins for fall? Pumpkins symbolize harvest time and can be used to decorate both inside and outdoors during the fall months.

I love using pumpkins because they provide Autumn style from September through Thanksgiving.

You can spend a lot of money on unique designer pumpkins, but today’s tutorial is easy to make and will not break the bank. So let’s get started.

Old Book Craft with Dollar Tree Pumpkins for DIY Pumpkin Craft

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

What is Old Book Crafts?

Old book crafts are a way to upcycle old books into new and creative projects. There are many different types of old book crafts that you can make, from simple to complex.

Using old book pages for crafts gives your home decor a rustic, creative style. The age and patina of old book pages are a favorite of mine. You can use them for fun table settings, paper flowers, decoupage projects, scrapbooking, etc.

This paper flower tutorial is a favorite craft project.

DIY Unique Pumpkin Craft

I used a couple of Dollar Tree foam pumpkins for today’s unique pumpkin craft as a base. However, you can recycle any old faux pumpkins for this project.

You will also need some old book pages. I have an old book whose spine has fallen apart, and I’ve used the pages for several projects.

If you need a book, look at thrift stores. An old book that is falling apart can be picked up for cheap.

I prefer pages that have aged naturally, if possible. If you are working with newer pages, you can age them with a little coffee stain. You can see more about aging with coffee on The Secret To Making Vintage Bottle Labels Look Authentic.

Supplies for DIY Pumpkins

You can see all my favorite DIY Supplies in my Amazon Storefront or click the images below.

DIY Pumpkin Craft With Old Book Pages

To make your upcycled old book craft, begin by cutting your old book pages into teardrop shaped pieces.

The size of your teardrops will depend on the size of your pumpkin.

I cut several teardrops approximately 1 1/2 inches wide and 2 inches tall for the Dollar Tree Foam Pumpkin. I created a template out of cardboard for easy tracing.

Stack several book pages and trace your design. You can easily cut 6 – 10 teardrops at one time.

In addition, cut some smaller pieces to fill in around the stem of your pumpkin. Cut a slight curve at the top of the smaller pieces.

Make teardrop shaped pieces to attach to the DIY pumpkins.

In order to cover the bottom of the pumpkin, place it on the paper and trace a ruff design.

This doesn’t have to be exact because you will be placing the tear drop shapes over the edges.

trace bottom of pumpkin to cut a book page.

How To Make DIY Pumpkin Craft

Once you have all your teardrops ready, it’s time to assemble the old book craft.

Begin by adding the bottom piece to the pumpkin.

Apply hot glue around the edges and press onto the pumpkin until it adheres.

Be sure to wear hot glue finger protection.

Now, you are ready to add the old book pages. For the first row, add hot glue to the wide end of the paper and attach to the bottom edge.

Keep the paper as straight as possible with a small overlap.

Use finger protections to attach  old book pages to make old book craft.

After the wide end of the teardrop is dry, add more hot glue to the narrow end and attach it to the pumpkin.

Use hot glue to add teardrop sharped old book pages to Dollar Tree Pumpkin for Pumpkin Craft.

Second & Third Row

As you begin the second row, I recommend placing the pumpkin on a glass to allow it to sit on it’s side.

Add hot glue to the small end of the teardrop and attach it so that the wide end overlaps the previous row and hides any gaps.

Repeat for row three.

Insider Tip

If any old book page pieces stick outward, you can add a drop of hot glue underneath to get them to lay smooth.

In addition, if you see any gaps, add another teardrop. Just lift the bottom, slide another piece under, and adhere with hot glue.

Remove Stem

First, you will want to remove the styrofoam stem from the pumpkin.

Just cut around the edge with a knife and pull the stem out.

Add Small Book Page Teardrops

Add the final row of book page teardrops using the smaller versions around the opening for the stem.

Add old book pages to dollar tree fall craft ideas.

Insider Tip

Caution: Ensure your wooden twig or old pumpkin stem is larger than the hole you cut. You can leave most styrofoam inside the hole and then push the twig inside.

You may also wonder why I didn’t remove the stem initially. I wanted until the end to use the stem to hold the pumpkin while I was working.

Add New Stem

Now, you can add your twig or old pumpkin stem to create a new stem for your upcycled old book craft.

Add hot glue to the new stem and push it into the pumpkin opening.

Use old twig to make a stem for DIY pumpkins

Finally, tie a piece of jute twine around the stem, and ta-da, you have a unique DIY Pumpkin Craft for Autumn decorating.

Tie Jute twine around stem of DIY Pumpkin Craft

Old Book Craft – DIY Pumpkin Craft For Fall Decorating

This DIY Pumpkin Craft idea can be used all around your home for Fall decorating.

Old Book Craft to make Dollar Tree Craft Ideas - DIY Pumpkin on chippy old church pew.

Add them to a stack of books or on top of a candlestick. You may also like to see how to make a DIY Pumpkin Craft using dryer balls.

DIY Pumpkin Craft with Old book Pages for Autumn Decorating for Cheap.

Mix your DIY pumpkin craft with your other fall decor for a rustic, farmhouse style.

DIY Pumpkin Craft with Old book Pages for Autumn Decorating for Cheap.

Additional Fall Craft Ideas

Here are some additional easy and inexpensive craft ideas for fall

I hope you enjoyed this inexpensive Fall Pumpkin Craft. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.

Easy DIY Pumpkin Craft with Old Book Pages for Cheap Autumn Decor.

Anna

Monday 18th of September 2023

Pumpkins would look very "vintage" if you added brown distress stain to book page edges. Great way to upcycle!

Rachel

Tuesday 19th of September 2023

Anna, Thanks for the tip.

Susan Sikes

Saturday 9th of September 2023

Those are adorably cute! I am not a super crafty person, but this one looks like something I could do. Super cute!!

Rachel

Saturday 9th of September 2023

Susan, I am so glad you found this easy and helpful. Let me know how it turns out.

Renae

Saturday 9th of September 2023

Such a great idea. Your pumpkins are adorable!

Rachel

Saturday 9th of September 2023

Renae, I really appreciate this. Thanks for stopping by.