Toilet Paper Pumpkins

A here.

For those of you with fabric scraps and no idea what to do with them, this practically free craft is a no-brainer.  All you'll need is:

• One 16" square of fabric
• One roll of toilet paper
• Two sheets of tissue paper
• One small stick (or a long thin scrap of paper)

As per most projects, it's simple to make multiples if you make them in assembly-line format, so I decided to make a collection of four.  I used burlap for mine; however, other fabrics work just as well (and probably won't make such a mess) depending on your desired aesthetic.  In fact, I would assume something like a courderoy or velour would make quite the classy pumpkin!

Begin by laying out your fabric square and then topping it with a half-folded sheet of tissue paper.  Place a quarter-folded piece of tissue in the middle and set the toilet paper roll on top.  It works best if you've made sure the tissue doesn't hang over the edges of the fabric so that it will be hidden in the finished project.

Now, and this is the tricky part, tuck the corners and edges of the fabric into the center of the toilet paper roll, enclosing the tissue paper inside the pumpkin.  You may have to tuck and untuck it several times to get the desired shape, as the folds will be visible and often help create the "lobes" of the pumpkin.  Thicker fabric makes it harder to pack the excess into the center of the roll, so be prepared to use some force if needed. 

Once all the edges are tucked into the center, press down on the top with the flat of your hand to smash the pumpkin a little.  If you ask me, this is best done while listening to a once great 90's band!  This action will give the pumpkin a less TP-like shape.

 

 

Now that you have the shape you want, give the pumpkin a stem by inserting a short stick into the top.  If you're like me and live in the desert, sticks may be in short supply.  Instead, I used a rolled up piece of brown cardstock approximately 2-3" long.  The fabric should be so tightly stuffed in the tube that the stick or paper will snugly fit and will not need to be attached in any way.

 

Your final product will hopefully look something like this:

 

 

As you can see, the folds create the pumpkin shape!  Overall this project is quick, cheap, and an easy addition to your Halloween or Thanksgiving decor.  Here is my current pumpkin patch.  Share your comments and/or pictures of your TP Pumpkin Patch below!