Sculpt Paper Mache Pumpkins

I made these doll sized pumpkins for our American Girl Doll's vegetable stand.

        In order to sculpt pumpkins similar to these you will need the following art supplies: paper mache pulp (I prefer Celluclay's brand), acrylic paints (green, red, orange, yellow, white), masking tape, newsprint, brown paper bag and permanent black ink pen. You will also need paint brushes, a surface for your paint and a glass jar for water, to clean brushes as you work.

Some Celluclay comes in grey and some of it in white. It makes no difference to the final product which
 color you choose. However, check the branding of the paper pulp. Some different manufacturers sell it
 with plaster additives. These are not as durable over time and the Celluclay brand is non-toxic as well.

       First, crush the newsprint into doll sized pumpkin shapes. Layer masking tape over these forms and also attach a crushed paper stem if you'd like. 

       I used white school glue to wrap brown paper bag strips around the stems to make them stronger and brown of course.

       Now mix the Celluclay according to the manufacturer's instructions in a disposable paper cup or bowel. 

       Layer the paper pulp onto the crushed and masked pumpkins. Use a knife to help shape the pulp along with your finger tips. Make raised ridges along the out surface of the squashes. 

       Let the doll's pumpkins dry until they harden. This will take a few days depending upon the humidity in the air. 

Remember that green is opposite red and blue is opposite orange on the color wheel. Use green or blue
to "grey" down your reds and oranges. This will give you more alternatives to paint colors as you mix.
Mix some color only adding white without the complimentary colors; these combinations will give
 you brighter and bolder reds and oranges.

       Dip you paint brush into a dark green, acrylic paint and brush on the color between the ribs of your pumpkins. Now clean your brush and mix together several oranges and yellows on a palette. Brush these fall shades onto the pumpkins in layers until you have achieved the colorations you prefer. I painted my pumpkins to have greater color variations than most people prefer. 

Use a dry brush to layer some of your paint so that previous layers peek through the paint applications.

       I used a permanent ink pen to draw lines vertically on the stems of the pumpkins; these added a bit of visual texture. Then I sealed the surfaces of the pumpkins with Mod Podge.

Additional Ways to Craft Pumpkins for Dolls:

• Wad, Wrap and Tape A Fall Pumpkin Craft
• Mini Felt Ball Pumpkins
• Fall Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial