Make a Pumpkin Basket

For some Jack-0-Lantern fun, mould a paper and paste pumpkin. This sturdy little pumpkin can hold popcorn for a pumpkin party or be a home for a paper puppet mouse. Miniature ones make party favors.

You will need:

A bucket or bowl for the base form. (A cup for a small one.) Several sheets of newsprint or newspaper, and flour and water for paste. Brushes and orange tempera paint, scissors, glue, a strip of black paper and a piece of green for the stem and leaf. If you want a lid, choose a saucer or plate that will fit on the base container.

Here’s how:

Mould the pumpkin:

• Use your hand or a brush to spread Flour Moulding Paste* over a sheet of newspaper.
• Cover the pasted sheet with another sheet of newspaper to make a paper “sandwich”.
• Turn the bucket or bowl over and mold this damp paper over it. Smooth down, using a rubber band or string to hold it in place. Paint with orange tempera paint.
• Let dry overnight. Remove the rubber band and trim off excess paper around edge.

For a lid:

• Spread paste over half a sheet of newspaper. Fold the other half over to make the “sandwich”.
• Smooth this damp paper around the saucer, and paint. Let dry and trim to fit pumpkin.
• Form a stem by rolling a paper around your finger, and gluing together. Cut out a leaf and glue stem and leaf to lid.

Add a Jack-O-Lantern face:

• From a 1" to 2" wide strip of black paper cut 3 squares and 1 rectangular piece. Trim the square pieces to form eyes, and nose. Use the rectangular one to shape the mouth. Don’t forget the teeth! Glue to finished pumpkin.

FLOUR MOULDING PASTE (Store in container in fridge)

Instant Paste:

Mix together ½ cup flour and ½ cup water until it makes a thick creamy paste. Add more flour or water as necessary.

Cooked Paste:

For a smoother paste stir together ½ cup flour and 2 cups water. Heat mixture until it boils and stir until thick.