A torn-paper pumpkin patch

STARTER GUIDE · AWAITING MAKER TESTING

Let’s make something lovely.

Before you begin: Stay within arm’s reach. Use age-rated washable materials; grown-ups handle cutting. Skip beads, buttons, loose magnets, batteries and other small parts around children who mouth objects.

1. 01

   Cover the table and set out one large sheet per child. Draw two broad pumpkin outlines, or let older children draw their own.

2. 02

   Offer large strips of orange paper to tear. A grown-up can start the first tear so little hands can finish it.

3. 03

   Rub glue inside one pumpkin at a time and press the torn pieces into place. Overlaps and gaps make lovely texture.

4. 04

   A grown-up cuts broad green stems. Attach them above the pumpkins and draw vines, clouds or a friendly face.

5. 05

   Let the collage dry flat. Add the maker’s name and year, then display it out of reach of younger siblings.

Make it personal

Have every family member add one pumpkin to a shared patch.

The diagram illustrates the project idea; it is not a maker-tested result. Allow additional drying time. Estimated materials cost excludes equipment. Check your equipment and material instructions, verify template dimensions, and make a sample before a batch.