Paper Pumpkin Studio: Easy Indoor Fall Craft for Kids

Make fall fun at home with printable pumpkin templates, 10 no-mess decorating ideas, and a freebie you can print today.

FALL FUN

Renee

9/15/20252 min read

Top-down photo of free printable pumpkin outlines in three sizes with pattern ideas sheet
Top-down photo of free printable pumpkin outlines in three sizes with pattern ideas sheet

Paper Pumpkin Studio: Easy Indoor Fall Craft for Kids

No pumpkin patch? No problem. Set up a “Paper Pumpkin Studio” at the kitchen table and let kids decorate paper pumpkins—minus the mess, cost, or travel. Download the free pumpkin templates below and try the quick ideas list to get started in five minutes.

Paper Pumpkin Studio

Free Outlines (S/M/L) + Pattern Ideas
Three printable pumpkin outline pages labeled small, medium, and large.
Three printable pumpkin outline pages labeled small, medium, and large.
Set up in 5 minutes

Print the size you want (small for banners, medium for cards, large for posters). Lay out supplies “buffet-style,” give one prompt (“Make a silly face pumpkin”), and set a 15-minute timer to keep it focused and fun.

10 no-mess decorating ideas:
  1. Sticker mosaic (tiny squares = “tiles”).

  2. Tissue paper “stained glass” (glue bits).

  3. Aluminum-foil shine (cut simple shapes).

  4. Patchwork pumpkin (glue paper scraps).

  5. Pattern play (stripes, polka dots, zigzags).

  6. Jack-o’-faces (happy, sleepy, surprised).

  7. Leaf hair (glue leaves you’ve pressed or drawn).

  8. Story pumpkin (draw a scene inside).

  9. Name banner (hole-punch top; string 3–5 pumpkins).

  10. Table place cards (write names; fold base).

Free printable templates

Grab the free Pumpkin Outlines (3 sizes) + Pattern Ideas Sheet—perfect for classrooms, playdates, or family craft night.

What you need (quick list):
  • Printable pumpkin outlines (free below)

  • Markers/crayons,

  • Glue stick/tape

  • Scrap paper, tissue paper, foil, stickers

  • Safety scissors (optional),

  • Hole punch (optional)

Four decorated paper pumpkin examples: sticker mosaic, foil shapes, patchwork, and banner letter.
Four decorated paper pumpkin examples: sticker mosaic, foil shapes, patchwork, and banner letter.
Decorated paper pumpkins clipped to twine as a fall banner
Decorated paper pumpkins clipped to twine as a fall banner
Want more?

The Pumpkin Art Pack adds stencils, banner letters, door sign, and jack-o’-face pieces you can trace or cut. Great for decorating a hallway or classroom corner.

👉 Download the free templates, then check out the Pumpkin Art Pack for a ready-to-go craft station.