How To Make A Frightening Jack O' Lantern Out Of Paper-Mache - Part 2

Part 2 – Frightening Jack O’ Lantern Continued

Now is the perfect time to make a frightening Jack-O’-Lantern! This is part 2 of how to make your own paper mache pumpkin.

At some point, you need to cover the bottom of your pumpkin with clay. I should probably do this first! 🤔 But I never do, the face is always my starting point. However, you want a good firm base. You can see in the picture below, the clay on the bottom is about 3/8 to 1/2-inch thick. That seems to create a nice firm base for a pumpkin this size.

The Base of The Jack O’ Lantern

Unless you start on the bottom, you should let the top dry before applying the clay to the bottom. Then, you can lay the pumpkin on its side.

How To Make A Frightening Jack O' Lantern Out Of Paper-Mache - Part 2 — Cover the bottom with clay.

Be sure to leave the pumpkin on its side to allow plenty of air around the wet clay. Next, you’ll want the clay to dry completely.

You can go ahead and add some layers to the facial features. You’ll need to add more layers after the clay dries.

To shape the teeth, first, make a ball and place it at the base of the tooth. Then, use your fingers to blend the edges into the surrounding area. Add some more clay above the ball and blend it around the pointed end.

Begin removing the crumpled paper

Remove the plastic bags and twine.

Once you have the entire surface covered liberally, allow the entire pumpkin to dry. When the pumpkin is dry, firm, and solid, you can remove the crumpled paper, plastic bags, and twine.

Finish The Texture on The Stem

To make the texture on the stem, roll a small piece of clay into a rod shape about an inch long. Place the rolled piece of clay on the stem.

Then, using your fingers, press the edges onto the stem, leaving a ridge. Repeat until you have the stem covered. These interesting textures are created as you press the edges down. It ends up looking a little rough like a real pumpkin stem.

Lay the clay on the stem.

Blend just the edges onto the stem.

Truthfully, I don’t cover the entire stem at one time. My hands and fingers keep getting in the way!

I usually work until I start messing up my previous work. Then, I stop and let the ridges dry before finishing the rest. Once the stem is dry, it’s easy to finish up the last few rows.