I love coming across crafts that stand out and are different. When I saw these, I was determined to find out how to make them. After much trial and error, I figured out the simplest way to make these adorable pumpkins. I have to say though, I’m absolutely not a fan of cutting up just any book. Make sure it’s a book you are not reading anymore, and you feel you can part with. Even picking one up at a garage sale or thrift store is a great option. A music book would look cute too. Get creative and enjoy these great fall pieces!

You will need:

  • A book (Preferably an old one, but a new one works too. Just make sure to work on loosening the spine. The book should be at least 150–200 pages long.)
  • A razor blade
  • A thick twig, about 6 inches long
  • Orange food coloring
  • A paint brush or sponge-tip brush
  • Hot glue gun
  • A half of a pumpkin template (This is all going to depend on the size of book you use and the size pumpkin you want. You can print a pumpkin template out online, then fold it and use only half.)

Directions:

  1. Start out by opening a book in half and face it pages down on a table. Take your razor blade and, very carefully, cut the book in half down the spine. Remove the front and back cover of the book.
  2. Take one half of the book and begin loosening the binding. After you feel like the book is loose enough, take the half book and close it. Lay your pumpkin template on it, with the center of the pumpkin lining up with binding of the book.
  3. Now this is the thing that will take the most time: take your razor blade and cut along your template. Start a few pages deep, and keep working your way around the template until you have cut through. It will not be perfect. The line might be a little bumpy, but that is what adds character. If you have little pieces hanging off, you can take scissors and trim off any strays.
  4. Now repeat with the other half of the book. Once you have finished cutting both sides, close them up. Take your orange food coloring and add a couple drops to a couple tablespoons of water. Using your brush or sponge, rub the food coloring along the edge of the pages until all the edges are orange. Allow both halves of the books to dry. Once they are dry, pull all pages apart and separate them.
  5. Grab a book half and open it up, binding side up. Using a hot glue gun, glue the twig to the center top of the book. Open the other half of the book, binding down, and glue it to the book that is lying flat.
  6. Once it’s dry, turn it facing up. Make sure to fan out your pages, until you get your desired look. Add leaves using a strip of fabric tied to the twig, or you can make cute felt leaves and glue them to the twig.

Place it on a mantle, bookshelf, or piano for some unique fall decor!