I’m really excited to post these DIY Crow Pumpkin Paper Mache Vases because 1) they turned out super chic and 2) they really are simple enough for even kids to do. Plus, this Halloween inspired craft is the first Halloween decor I’ve created that really fits my everyday style. Usually, my Halloween decorations are super cute and very party-driven—a.k.a. very kid-friendly (like these DIY Cheesecloth Ghost Garland or DIY Flying Decoupage Bats). So usually, I put up Halloween decor during the last week in October or only for a party. However, these stark black crow/pumpkin vases are more chic than cute and may just stay up into November. I think they simply celebrate the darker side of fall. As you can see by my styling, they look great with typical fall decor accessories, like brass candlesticks and white baby boo pumpkins. And frankly, I think they are calling to be used for a tablescape so I may just need to do that this week.
As for the process, the main items to buy are a paper mache pumpkin (at Joann Fabrics for under $5 with coupon or sale) and a small plastic crow (at Party City for $2 or at Walmart for $3). The rest of the items you’ll probably have (like newspaper and flour) and the complete list is below with the tutorial. As for the pumpkins, Joann Fabric’s had two sizes (short and tall), but if you can’t find a paper mache pumpkin, you could also use any of the plastic pumpkins available at all craft stores and even Target and Walmart. However, if using a plastic pumpkin you’ll want to make sure you paper mache over top of the plastic so that your final project doesn’t look like plastic. So basically you could use any faux pumpkin that is hollow; however, plastic pumpkins will just take a little more paper mache work on your end.
Materials
- Paper mache pumpkin (or plastic, hollow pumpkin that you paper mache) (I used a tall pumpkin and short pumpkin version from Joann Fabrics)
- Small plastic & feathered crow/raven (about 4″ tall)
- Newspaper
- Paper-mache paste (I used flour and water, but you can use white glue as well)
- Sandpaper
- Hot Glue
- Black craft paint
- White craft paint
- Faux or real flowers (if using real flowers, put a small glass jar in your pumpkin to hold the water)
- Xacto Knife
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
Make the paper mache paste. I mixed 1 part flour with 1 part water, but you can also use glue and others even boil their flour/water mixture. Just use your preferred method. I started with just 1/2 cup of flour, you don’t need much.
Cut newspaper into small strips. You’ll use this for the paper mache.
Paper mache the crow. Remove the legs from your crow and then paper mache the crow. You’ll simply dip a strip of newspaper in the flour/water mixture and then remove any excess with your fingers. Then wrap the newspaper around your crow (feathers and all). Continue this process until your crow is covered in newspaper. Once your crow is covered let dry completely. Once dry, add another layer of paper mache where needed. I found I missed a few spots and the tail needed a couple layers to really feel hard and sturdy. You want to make sure your paper mache drys completely between adding a new layer to prevent molding.
Cut a top opening in the pumpkin. Use a pencil to mark a circle around the top of your pumpkin to create the opening. Using a Xacto knife, cut open your pumpkin. (Note: if using a plastic pumpkin, you’ll want to make sure you paper mache your pumpkin before moving onto the next step. Follow the same process as the crows.)
Attach the crow to the pumpkin. Using your glue gun, attach your paper mache crow to your paper mache pumpkin. Placement is up to you, but it works best to keep close to the edge of the pumpkin’s opening.
Paper mache final touches. To make sure the crow is securely attached, paper mache overtop of where the crow and pumpkin meet. You’ll also paper mache the lip of the pumpkin opening to give it a smooth finish. If you want to keep the top to act as a “lid,” be sure to paper mache the rough bottom side.
Lightly sand your crow/pumpkin vase. Before painting, be sure to lightly sand your crow and pumpkin to remove any rough spots.
Paint the crow/pumpkin vase black. Be sure to paint the inside as well.
Paint the crow’s face details. Using your white paint, paint a circle outline around the two eyes of the crow. Blend in using your paintbrush or damp paper towel so it is just a faded white/gray line that blends into the black. Also lightly paint over the beak and remove excess paint with your paintbrush or damp paper towel. You may need to layer on more black as well until you get your desired look.
Add flowers. If using real flowers be sure to add a small jar inside the pumpkin to hold the water. Here I used a mixture of real eucalyptus leaves, faux dahlias, faux strawflowers and dried billy balls. A good source for faux flowers is your local craft store or Afloral is a great online source that has faux and dried flowers.
I made matching paper mache crows as well. The process was very similar, but I’ll add a separate blog post with full instructions.
So what do you think? Will you try making these pumpkin vases? An even simpler version would be to just cut open the pumpkin and paint black or white. The results will be chic and festive for fall.
