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Make Mod Podge Pumpkins with Maps!

Try a seasonal craft that is a bit different with these unique Mod Podge pumpkins! These DIY pumpkins are SO easy to make.

Skills Required: Beginner. It helps to have some experience with Mod Podge simply because you’ll be decoupaging paper down on a round surface (as opposed to flat).

DIY pumpkins with maps and Mod Podge

There are so many creative ways out there to decorate pumpkins, and I’m going to show you one of my favorites that is no-carve. I’ve shared painted pumpkins before, so you’re familiar with that – but have you ever covered a pumpkin in maps?

This map wrapped Mod Podge pumpkin is fun and easy to put together. Plus it’s an amazing addition to any fall decor.

Mod Podging on Pumpkins

Before we dive into this project, I wanted to address a few commonly asked questions/issues you might have about how to make this cute fall craft. I hope these help you in your pumpkin decorating journey!

Real vs. Fake

Should you use real or fake when making Mod Podge pumpkins? It’s something that people are always wondering and good news . . . the answer is you can use both! It doesn’t matter if you use a real pumpkin or a fake pumpkin. Either will work.

The advantage of fake pumpkins is that they last for years. The best place I’ve found to get them is in the craft stores during the holidays, or online. A real pumpkin can only be used for a season and will have to be tossed, though it will be cheaper.

Preparing the Maps

There’s nothing that you need to do to the maps to get them ready for this DIY pumpkins project, aside from cutting them into either strips or small squares. If you decide to photocopy a map, it’s ideal to use laserjet instead of inkjet to avoid ink smearing everywhere.

Having said that, you can print them on inkjet, spray both sides of the printouts with clear acrylic sealer, and then let dry overnight. You should then be able to Mod Podge them without as much bleeding.

Pumpkin, Mod Podge Gloss, bottle of aqua craft paint, and maps

Dealing with Wrinkles

If you apply the map to the pumpkin in strips, you’re likely going to get wrinkles in the map. That’s because of the round shape of the pumpkin vs. the flat paper. There are a few pieces of advice I have for you if this is frustrating.

First, you can cut the map into smaller pieces and apply it that way. Second, you could cut darts in the paper (cut a “V” like you would in a sewing pattern) and overlap as you’re Mod Podging. Third, you can simply love the wrinkles.


Gather These Supplies

  • A pumpkin (real or fake; mine was real)
  • Old maps
  • Mod Podge Gloss
  • Scissors
  • Acrylic Paint (I chose blue)
  • Brush

I love how modern and cool my map pumpkin looks! Tip: if you’d like to display this pumpkin outside during the fall months and live in a very sunny or rainy climate, use Outdoor Mod Podge.

How to make Mod Podge pumpkins with maps

Get the printable how to card below:

real pumpkin with map pieces attached using Mod Podge
Save Print
5 from 1 vote

Mod Podge Pumpkins

Learn how to decoupage pumpkins with Mod Podge and maps! This is such an easy and unique fall craft.
Prep Time30 minutes
Active Time1 hour 30 minutes
Dry TIme2 hours
Total Time4 hours
Yield: 1 pumpkin
Cost: $2

Materials

Instructions

  • First, wipe down the pumpkin with a damp paper towel to make sure all the dirt is removed and let dry. Then paint the stem with your desired craft paint color and allow to dry.
    Pumpkin with a painted stem
  • Cut the map into random strips. Brush a medium layer of Mod Podge down onto the pumpkin. Lay down the map strips and allow to dry for a few minutes.
    Applying a piece of map to a pumpkin
  • Brush a thick layer of Mod Podge on top of the strips. Continue to overlap the map strips and secure with Mod Podge.
    real pumpkin with map pieces attached using Mod Podge
  • Allow the pumpkin to dry to the touch and then add another layer of Mod Podge over the top to secure the map completely.
    Adding a top coat to the maps with Mod Podge

Video

Notes

This same craft can be done with wrapping paper, tissue paper, napkins, or a variety of other thin(ner) papers.

This craft is part of our fall crafts for adults and Dollar Tree fall crafts! Let me know what you think in the comments. I’d also love for you to check out the following ideas:

Coastal PumpkinConfetti PumpkinsDecorate Paper Craft PumpkinsDIY Nautical PumpkinDIY Pumpkin Seed ArtDIY Wood PumpkinsFall Leaves FrameGlitter Acorn DecorHow to Preserve LeavesPaper Mache PumpkinsWood Pumpkin Decor

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Project Rating




Amber

Thursday 20th of October 2022

Does the Modge Podge glue affect the real pumpkin and make it mushy or rot? I am doing this for a work pumpkin decorating contest and it's going to sit in the office for a week for people to vote on. Thank you!

Amy

Saturday 22nd of October 2022

It won't make it mushy! The biggest thing that makes pumpkins mushy is allowing air to get to the innards. You'll be fine, at least for the Mod Podge part.