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Would you believe this cute little pumpkin started with a handful of jumbo craft sticks? This Dollar Tree craft stick pumpkin is the second project in my fall craft stick series, where I’m seeing just how many seasonal projects I can make from one package of jumbo craft sticks. For this one, I wanted to do something a little different. Instead of making a flat pumpkin that needed to lean against something, I decided to make it double-sided and freestanding.
And yes, that meant making the pumpkin twice—but I love how it turned out!
With a few jumbo craft sticks, Dollar Tree tumbling tower blocks, some paint, and a few fall embellishments, you can make an adorable little pumpkin that will stand all on its own.
Supplies for the Craft Stick Pumpkin :
Here’s what I used:
- 18 jumbo craft sticks
- 3 large tumbling tower/Jenga-style blocks
- Apple Barrel Jack-O-Lantern acrylic paint
- Apple Barrel Harvest Orange acrylic paint
- Apple Barrel Burnt Umber acrylic paint
- Sanding block
- Ruler
- Scissors or another tool suitable for cutting the craft sticks like wire cutters
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Velvet fall leaves
- Wired paper cord/curly tendrils
- Black-and-white gingham ribbon
- My Pumpkin Spice printable tag
- Button
- Mod Podge, optional for sealing
The jumbo craft sticks and tumbling tower blocks can both be found at the dollar store. Apple Barrel acrylic paints are readily available at Walmart and many craft stores.
I found the velvet leaves I used on Amazon, and I linked those above!
The wired paper cord I used for the curly pumpkin tendrils can be found at Hobby Lobby.
How to Make a Freestanding Craft Stick Pumpkin
Step 1: Cut the Craft Sticks
Each side of the pumpkin uses seven jumbo craft sticks with two back support sticks.
I left three craft sticks at their original full length.
For the fourth and fifth sticks, I cut approximately 3/4 inch from one end of each stick. After making the straight cut, I trimmed the corners and used a sanding file to reshape the cut ends so they had that familiar rounded craft-stick shape again.
For the sixth and seventh sticks, I removed approximately 1 inch from one end. Again, I cut them straight across first, trimmed the corners, and then rounded the ends with my sanding file.
This gave me seven graduated pieces that created the pumpkin shape when placed together.
Since my pumpkin is double-sided, I repeated the process to create a second identical set.
Step 2: Assemble Each Side of the Pumpkin
Now, I’ll warn you: I like things lined up pretty precisely, so I probably made this part more complicated than it absolutely needs to be!
I started by laying the three full-size craft sticks beside one another. Then I added two support pieces horizontally across the back; one near the top and one near the bottom. I didn’t place the supports directly at the edges because I wanted plenty of room to add the remaining sticks while keeping everything secure.
Next, I added the fourth and fifth sticks. I used the measurements on my mat to make sure they were positioned evenly before gluing them onto the supports.
Before adding the sixth and seventh sticks, I trimmed the support pieces so they wouldn’t extend beyond the outside edges of the finished pumpkin.
Then I centered the final two craft sticks with the fourth and fifth sticks and glued them into place.
That gave me one nice, even pumpkin side.
Then I did the entire thing again to create the back.
You absolutely do not have to be this precise! You can lay all seven cut craft sticks flat in the pumpkin shape you like, glue support pieces across the back, and call it done. I just wanted mine as even as possible on both sides.
Step 3: Paint the Pumpkin
Once both sides were assembled, it was time for paint.
I used two shades of Apple Barrel acrylic paint:
- Jack-O-Lantern
- Harvest Orange
Using two different shades gave the pumpkin a little more variation and kept the orange from looking completely flat.
Because this pumpkin is freestanding and can be viewed from either direction, I painted both sides of both pumpkin pieces. I didn’t want someone looking at it from an angle and seeing unfinished wood between the two sides.
Once the orange paint was dry, I lightly distressed the surfaces with my sanding file.
Then I used Apple Barrel Burnt Umber to add darker, antique-looking details. I didn’t want to completely cover the orange—just give the pumpkin some depth and an aged, rustic finish.
Step 4: Prepare the Tumbling Tower Blocks
While my pumpkin pieces were drying, I painted three large tumbling tower blocks with Burnt Umber.
One of these blocks would become the pumpkin stem, so after the paint dried, I distressed that block with my sanding file.
The other two blocks have a completely different job.
They’re the secret to making this pumpkin stand up!
Step 5: Make the Pumpkin Freestanding
I glued two of the painted tumbling tower blocks between the front and back pumpkin pieces.
These blocks create space between the two sides, giving the pumpkin dimension while also creating a wide enough base for it to stand on its own.
This is one of my favorite things about this project. Instead of another flat craft that has to be propped against something, you end up with a chunky little pumpkin that can sit right on a shelf, table, tiered display, or anywhere else you’re decorating for fall.
Step 6: Add the Pumpkin Stem
Before permanently gluing the front and back together, I attached the third painted tumbling tower block to the front portion of the pumpkin to create the stem.
I tilted mine slightly instead of placing it perfectly straight because I liked the little bit of character that gave it.
The bottom of the stem also rests against one of the blocks inside the pumpkin, which helps support it.
Once everything was positioned the way I wanted it, I finished gluing the two pumpkin sides together.
Step 7: Embellish the Pumpkin
Now for my favorite part—the details!
I added a few velvet fall leaves around the stem along with curly wired paper tendrils.
Then I made a black-and-white gingham bow and added my little Pumpkin Spice tag.
I finished everything off with a button in the center of the bow.
Those little finishing touches took a pile of craft sticks and turned it into the cutest little fall pumpkin.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Printable Tag
The Pumpkin Spice tag I used on this project is part of one of my printable fall tag sheets available in my Etsy shop.
You can print the tags at home and use them for craft projects, gift giving, fall decor, and more.
Do You Need to Seal the Pumpkin?
I did not seal mine.
Since I plan to use it indoors, I was happy with the finish as it was.
If you’d like to give yours an extra protective coating, you certainly can. I would use a thin coat of Mod Podge after all of the paint and antiquing are completely dry.
Keep in mind that this is still primarily an indoor craft unless you’re using products specifically intended to protect it from outdoor weather.
Pin This Dollar Tree Craft Stick Pumpkin for Later
Don’t have time to make your pumpkin today? Save this idea to your favorite Fall Crafts, Dollar Tree Crafts, or DIY Pumpkin Decor Pinterest board so you can find it when you’re ready!
One Package of Craft Sticks—Four Fall Projects!
This little pumpkin is part of my fall Craft Stick Challenge, where I’m using one package of jumbo craft sticks to create four different fall projects.
And yes—even after making this pumpkin double-sided, I still have enough craft sticks left to keep going!
If you missed the first project, make sure you check out my Craft Stick Scarecrow.
And stay tuned because there are still more craft stick projects coming!
Find the treasure. Make it yours!
L’Briska
My Eclectic Treasures
Looking for More Easy Fall Craft Ideas?
You don’t need expensive craft supplies to create something cute for your home. Some of my favorite projects start with inexpensive supplies, thrift-store finds, or something I already have tucked away in my craft stash.
Don’t Miss the Next Project!
Want more thrift flips, Dollar Tree crafts, seasonal decorating ideas, and creative projects like this one delivered right to your inbox? Join the My Eclectic Treasures email list so you don’t miss what’s coming next. I send my subscribers new projects, tutorials, seasonal inspiration, and plenty of ideas for turning inexpensive finds into something special.
And if you make your own craft stick pumpkin, I’d love to see what you come up with. Make yours perfectly precise—or line those sticks up however you want and have fun with it. That’s the best part about crafting: you get to make it your own.
