Recycle your grocery store paper bags into these cute pumpkins to add a dash of rustic autumn décor to your home. Kids of all ages (even adult kids) will have fun making them, and when winter comes, they can just go straight into the recycle bin with no guilt!
Shop at Dollar Tree — Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Paper Grocery Bags
- Rubber Bands
- Newspaper, Plastic Grocery Bags, or other Recyclables
- Paint
- 1 Paper Lunch Bag
- Raffia, Crepe Paper Leaves, and/or Ribbon
Easy Step-by-Step Directions:
- Remove any handles and undo the bottom of the bag so you are left with a long tube.
- For added texture, crumple the bag multiple ways and smooth it back out.
- Gather the bottom, making sure to catch all of the edges. Use a rubber band to secure in place.
- Carefully turn the bag inside out.
- Stuff well with newspaper, old magazine pages, or plastic grocery bags.
- Gather the open edges at the top and twist them into a stem shape. If you want a longer stem, twist a paper lunch bag into it. Secure with a rubber band.
- Paint the body of the pumpkin orange and leave the stem area natural (or you could choose to paint it green or brown).
- Cover the rubber band by tying a raffia or ribbon bow and adding a crepe paper leaf or two.
Fun Tip:
- For a smaller decoration, you can make small pumpkins and gourds with brown paper lunch bags. You could also fill them with treats for party favors or classroom handouts!
