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.

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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

• Faux Pumpkins
• Old Book Pages
• Hot Glue Gun
• Scissors
• Finger Protectors
• Wooden Twig or old pumpkin stem.
• Jute Twine (optional)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

Old Book Craft – DIY Pumpkin Craft For Fall Decorating

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

Add them to a stack of books or on top of a candlestick.

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

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

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