Follow along and learn how to make these gorgeous paper pumpkins for your fall decor. These pumpkins also have a special place on the underside for LED candles to add a warm glow to your home in the evenings.
Every now and then, I finish a craft and my heart skips a beat. I had an image in my minds eye of how I wanted these to look, but they turned out way prettier. I imagined a delicate pattern to let the light shine through, so when I designed them I added this pretty leaf motif.
They are so charming, both during the day and in the evening.
Here is a closeup to show you the detail and then lets get started making these beauties.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure statement here.
3D Paper Pumpkin Luminary Video
If you would like the full process for making these pumpkins, watch the video below. This video includes how to upload the files and make changes in both Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio. It also shows how to bring DXF files into the basic edition of Silhouette Studio. The last section in the video includes the full assembly process. I think you will find the video very helpful.
SUPPLIES TO MAKE PAPER PUMPKINS
- Paper Cement or Glue Stick
- Tacky Glue
- Inexpensive Paint Brush (if using paper cement)
- Precision Scissors (optional)
- Paper
- Vellum
- Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Maker
- LED Lights
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE SVG CUT FILES
I designed these paper pumpkins to be cut on an electronic cutting machine (i.e. Silhouette Cameo or Cricut). Before you begin this craft, you’ll need to cut out the various pieces to be assembled later. Here is a picture of the paper and vellum pieces once they are cut.
To download your free SVG cut files, subscribe at the top right sidebar or at the bottom of this post. In a few moments you will receive a welcome email with the password. Go to the library page and enter the password in the empty box located below the word “Password”. You can also access the library on the top menu bar any time you’d like with your password.
Please keep in mind that the password is case sensitive and does have spaces. Also, check to make sure your caps lock is turned off. If you have any problems, email me at laura@heartfilledspaces.com and I’ll do my best to help.
CUTTING THE PAPER AND VELLUM
These pumpkins measure 7.5″ tall and 7″ wide and there are 12 sections to the sides. All of the paper is cut from 12″ x 12″ stock and the vellum is 8.5″ X 11″. I recommend 65 lb. card-stock to save on cut time. Please do not use lighter than 65 lb. card-stock to make these as they will not maintain their shape with lighter weight paper.
For the Silhouette Cameo, use the heavy card-stock settings in your cut settings menu. Always do a test cut before starting your job, so you don’t waste paper. Don’t forget to switch your cut settings to vellum, when you switch material.
Once you choose your card-stock color for the pumpkin, cut the Pumpkin Luminary leaf panels and the pumpkin parts, including your leaf and stem. Lastly, cut the vellum panels, which will be 8.5″ X 11″. You will need to cut two sheets of vellum to get the 12 panels.
If you don’t have a cutting machine, I’ve included printable PDF files in the library to use as patterns.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CRICUT USERS
UPDATE: When downloading the files for Cricut Design Space, choose the SVG version of the files. Then upload them into Cricut Design Space. You will need to change the score lines and attach them to your panels. If you are unsure about this process, please watch the video above. It will walk you through Cricut Design Space step by step.
File Dimensions:
The files upload into your cutting machines software at the right size. If you choose to make them larger or smaller, make sure you select all of the pumpkin files together before resizing them. For Cricut Design Space the file height needs to be smaller than 11.5″ to cut on 12 X 12 cardstock.
There is also a video available in the library to walk you through the file download process. You don’t need to unzip any of the files. Just click on the link in the library. Then on the preview page click the down arrow on the upper right side and choose where you want to save your files. The SVG files do not need to be resized, but they do have a few other adjustments before they are ready to cut in Cricut Design Space.
If you are unsure of how to make the changes to the score lines and attach them, please watch the video at the top of this post. It will walk you through Cricut Design Space.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SILHOUETTE USERS
If you have Silhouette Studio Designer or Business Edition you will want to download the SVG file and open it in Silhouette Studio. If you have the Basic Edition of Silhouette Studio, you will want to download the DXF version of the file from the library. Once the files are in you software, you will need to change the score lines before you cut them. If you are unsure how to do this process, please watch the video towards the top of this blog post. It walks you through the step by step process in the software.
CREATE THE SIDES OF YOUR PUMPKIN
There are two options for attaching the vellum to your leaf panels. The first is to just use a glue stick on the vellum and place the glue side of the vellum on the back of your leaf panel. This is the easiest method. The glue will dry clear.
The second option is using paper cement. The following are the instructions for attaching the vellum with paper cement.
Before we begin, it’s important to cover your table surface with a protective paper, preferably something that can be thrown away for easy clean-up. If you are sensitive to smells, work in a well ventilated area as there is a slight odor to the paper cement. You may also want to wear some protective gloves.
To make this project go quickly, pour some of your paper cement into a disposable cup and replace the lid on the can. Line up your pumpkin sides in a row, close together. Make sure they are all facing the same direction. Using a disposable or cheap brush, dip the bristles into the paper cement and coat the backside of the panels.
Repeat this process on the vellum panels.
Once dry, set the vellum next to the paper with the sticky sides facing up. Fold the top and bottom of the leaf panel along the score lines as pictured below.
When working with paper cement, you want the two glue sides to face each other for the strongest bond. Take your vellum panel and line it up along the bottom fold line of the leaf panel. Then slowly lower it on to the leaf panel working from bottom to top. Take care to line up the edges. Then slide your fingers along it to permanently press it into place. If your vellum is slightly off, don’t try to lift it. Just cut the extra vellum away with scissors.
This is what a completed panel looks like, both front and back side.
ASSEMBLE THE TOP PORTION OF THE PAPER PUMPKIN
When attaching the panels to the top portion of the paper pumpkin, you can use quick drying tacky glue. Alternatively, you can use a little more paper cement to the inside top of the rounded portion on the panel. See where the pencil is pointing in the image below for reference.
Cover the top panel (polygon with slit in it) with paper cement. Then press the sticky side of the rounded portion of the leaf panel on to the polygon. Use the sides on the polygon as your guide, one panel per side of the polygon. Place the fold on the edge of the polygon.
Repeat this process until all twelve panels are attached as seen in the image below.
Then lay the pumpkin so the panels are spread out, like in the image below. Set this part aside for later.
CREATE AND ATTACH YOUR STEM
Wrap your stem around the paint brush handle to curl it.
Slip the handle out of the stem and continue to shape the stem with your fingers until it is the way you want. I snipped off the pointed tip.
Fold the bottom portion of the stem over to make it flat.
Then put it through the slit in the second polygon.
Apply paper cement on both the stem and polygon and press them together. Then set this piece aside for later.
ATTACH THE MIDDLE SUPPORTS
Take the four thin rectangles and fold the ends of them along the score lines. Fold one end in and one end out like a Z. Add paper cement to the top (inside facing end).
Take the assembled part of the pumpkin and flip it over so the inside is facing up. Now add the paper cement all around the perimeter of the polygon. Then attach the end of the support to the polygon, like in the image below. Repeat this step for all four supports, spacing them out evenly. Press them tightly down and flip the pumpkin over,
Now with the outside of the pumpkin facing up, add some paper cement to the top panel. Also, add paper cement to the bottom of the stem panel. Then press the two panels together, as in the picture below.
FINISH THE PUMPKIN ASSEMBLE
Place the pumpkin so the inside is facing up. Then add the adhesive to the inside of the bottom flap. See image.
Then add adhesive to one side of a large Polygon
Now attach the panel to the polygon. Make sure the glue on the support and the glue on the polygon are facing each other for a strong bond.
Repeat this step, working in order around the polygon.
Then add adhesive to the inside flap of the four rectangular supports. Press them in place on the inside of the polygon. See the image above.
Now take the second large polygon panel and add adhesive to one side. Then, add a little more adhesive to the bottom of the pumpkin. Press the polygon in place on the bottom of the pumpkin for a clean finish.
Then flip the pumpkin upright and add adhesive to the leaf and spot you want to place your leaf. Press the leaf in place.
Now add your LED tea light to the underside of the pumpkin for a soft glow. I recommend using the remote control tea lights. Then you can easily turn them on and off with the click of a button. They cost a little more, but they’re simple to use.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
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FOLLOW ALONG ON PINTEREST
Do you like budget friendly decor and crafts? Follow me on PINTEREST. Did you know that you can hover over the images below and save them for later? Just click on the red Pinterest circle and save it to your Fall Home Decor or Crafts Board. It’s so helpful to Pin It now and save it for later, when your ready to start your project.
I hope you enjoy these paper pumpkins as much as I do. Have a wonderful fall season and happy crafting!
Would Mod Podge work instead of the cement glue?
Hi Jolene. I think you could use Mod Podge, but it won’t have as nice of a finish. Mod Podge takes much longer to dry and it with soften/wrinkle the paper some. I’ve tried other adhesives, too. I’ve found that paper cement works best for this type of project.
There in no such thing here that is called paper cement in Norway, any suggestion on alternatives, or what is the cement made of, so I can try to get an alternative? Would Xyron work with permanent adhesive? I have that.
Hi Caroline. Using a Xyron on the side panels might work, although I haven’t tried it. I would add it to the backside of the vine panel so the vellum that shows through isn’t sticky. You are looking for an adhesive that dries clear, doesn’t wrinkle the paper, covers the full surface of the side panels and has a strong bond. I hope this helps.
Did you resize the cut file or cut it as downloaded? Not sure how tall to make all the pumpkin pieces.
Hi Patti. I’m guessing you’re a Cricut user and you downloaded the SVG files. For some reason they are resizing smaller when you import them into the software. Another reader has mentioned it to me. I will be adding the correct dimensions in the post today for those using a Cricut. You will need to size them up before you cut them.
Thank You!
Hi Patti. You’re welcome. Have fun crafting!
What are the individual sizes of each piece? I can’t figure out how to get them the correct size.
Hi Stephanie. It is much easier to resize them while they are all grouped together. The sizes given in the post above are for all of the items grouped together. If you are looking for the size of one individual piece (one of the 12 side panels), the dimensions are width=1.817 height=8.705. One vellum panel is w=1.817 X h=7.639. Top polygon is W=2.5 X H=2.5. Bottom polygon is W=3.995 X H=3.995. Support rectangle is 5.75 X 0.427. Stem is W=0.964 X H=6.354. Leaf is W=4.082 X H=3.733.
Thank you sooooo much!!! I had them all grouped together, but the pieces weren’t lining up correctly for me.
You’re welcome!
I am not finding the correct dimensions for the pumpkin panels. Can you please post them here? Thank you!
Hi Lisa. Here they are: File Dimensions
Pumpkin Luminary Panels – Width: 11.222, Height: 8.705
Pumpkin Luminary Parts – Width: 10.013, Height: 9.282
Pumpkin Luminary Vellum – Width: 8.092, Height: 9.827
These translucent pumpkins are adorable. I don’t have a cutting machine, but am very experienced with paper-cutting by hand. Is it possible to get a pattern that I can use without a machine? Thanks!
Hi Betty-Lou. I honestly didn’t think anyone would want to cut them by hand. You are amazing! I will upload a printable PDF to the library for you today. Check back tomorrow and it will be there. Happy crafting!
The PDF files are now available in the library.
Is there a step between resizing the file and cutting? I changed the size moved on to cut the pattern out, and the inside pattern does not line up with the side piece. Am I missing something? I am using a cricut, so I don’t know if this is the issue.
Hi Melissa. I’m going to have to get a Cricut after this post. I honestly don’t know how to help you. My guess is that you need to group the images together before resizing them. That is how other design programs work. I would recommend testing on plain paper and only cutting one section of the pumpkin before trying to cut the full file. I wish I could help more, but I just can’t troubleshoot it without the software/Cricut.
Same here. If you find a Cricut solution, please let us know!
Melissa, when resizing a ‘patter’, you must get the parts aligned and then group them.. that way when you resize one layer the other layer will automatically resize.. actually you need to Group all pieces… I’m going to download this now and might get back to you… I love this pumpkin.
Thank you Diana. I’m working on an update for Cricut users. I appreciate everyone trying to help each other.
HI! The Cricut Maker that I have can only cut up to 11.5″ width. Your dimensions are larger than that, which is probably why it’s resizing it.
Thank you Liz. I’m going to put this up here to help others.
It looks like the SVG files don’t include the bottom hexagon pieces. Only the top two are in the files. Did I miss something? Looking forward to making this! They are so elegant looking!
Thanks for sharing! – Sue
Hi Suzanne. I’m so glad you like the paper pumpkins! The top two polygons are nested in the bottom two. Once they are cut, you should have 4 pieces. The bottom pieces have a hole for the LED candles. This just helps save on paper. I hope this helps!
It looks like the SVG file only includes the ‘structure’ pieces and the stem &leaf. It seems to be missing the beautiful pumpkin itself. Is anyone else having this difficulty?
Love the pumpkin, just wish O could figure this out! Thanks!
Hi Vanessa. Thanks for reaching out. I think you are looking at the preview of the file. When you click on the link in the library, it brings up a preview of the download (for the SVG files). It’s only giving you a snapshot of what you will be downloading. You need to click on the downward facing arrow in the upper right corner and save the files to your computer (Downloads Folder). Then open up your cutting machines software (i.e.Cricut Design Space). Now upload the file. Once it is on your canvas, click on it and drag the file to the right and you will see all of the pieces, including the vine panels. Let me know if you still have questions and I’ll do my best to help.
Love, love, love these pumpkins; however, it would have been a bit more helpful if you had used a darker color (either on the pumpkin or the vellum) to make it easier to follow your directions (i.e., distinguishing the inside/outside, etc)…or maybe I simply have bad eyesight! I can’t wait to try these with my Cricut. And yes, you are correct when it comes to resizing your SVG file all items must be “grouped” or they won’t size correctly. I think the bottom line is that Cricut wants its user to buy THEIR files and not upload personal projects.
Keep up the good work!
I’m so glad you like the pumpkins and thank you for the tip. I will consider using a darker paper in future tutorials…I wouldn’t have thought of that. I am surprised by the SVG file challenges, I thought they would be standard for users across platforms. I know SVG files are popular for use on the web because they are resized by a mathematical equation and don’t pixelate the way other files do.
A scrapbook paper with different designs or colors front and back would have helped me even more. I’m trying to follow along with my laptop as I assemble and the white on white just is sooo tiring to my eyes. Although I love your finished product I have to admit I’m struggling here.
Hi Sandy. Thank you for the feedback. I will take this into consideration for my future content.
These are so stinking pretty! I’m excited to make them but I also was having trouble getting the intricate part to match up with the bands of the pumpkin in cricut design space. It appears to me that you could select the 2 and slice but it won’t allow me to do that? If any cricut-ers figure that out, please share!
The rest of your projects are also super cute! i’m sure i’ll be making quite a few of them!
Thank you Sara. I’m glad you like them. I’m sorry about the Cricut problems. It’s just not my jam yet. If anyone has a solution, I’ll be sure to post it. Just let me know.
Sara, I have them in Cricut and I found that I have to select a panel that has the fussy design and hit Slice. I did one and just duplicated it 10 times. This is a difficult patter to use in Cricut DS. Also the lines that should be scored come up as cut lines (tiny lines at top and bottom of each tiny panel) so need to change them to score or as I am; I’m deleting them and just hand folding them. This applies to the tiny skinny rectangle pieces.. they are set to cut, which we don’t want.. change or delete the lines. What else…. hmmmm. Ok, back… You have to change the color of the stem and leaf(leaves) from red. hope this helps Diana
Sara, in DS you select the two panels and Attach them. Also the tiny ‘fold’ lines at the top and bottom are set to cut, and we don’t want that so either change them to score or delete and do folds by hand. This is a beautiful project.. Thanks Laura
Ich würde mich über das freebie freuen.
Hallo. Es gibt keine kostenlosen Dateien mit diesem Beitrag, aber wenn Sie meine Website abonnieren, habe ich eine Bibliothek mit kostenlosen Dateien. Wenn Sie Fragen haben, senden Sie mir eine E-Mail an laura@heartfilledspaces.com. Ich arbeite mit Google Translate. Verzeihen Sie mir, wenn es Probleme mit der Übersetzung gibt.
Hi Laura – the svg/cricut problem got too much for me recently so I did some investigation and have solved it! Basically Cricut (who knows why) is set to 72 pixels (px) per inch. However most (I believe) vector graphics software use 96 px per inch. I use Inkscape and was able to fix the problem by setting, within the document properties, the scale to 72 rather than 96. I wasn’t sure if your comments would allow linking to websites but feel free to email me and I can point you to the website forums that solved it for me! – happy crafting, Sharon ….PS Awesome pumpkin design!
Hi, trying to make this on my Cricut in Sure Suts A Lot – yes, super old but usually works!! I’d love to know how you resized in Inkscape to make this work.
Hi Brandi. I have never used Inkscape, so I’m not exactly sure how this looks for you. I design all of my files in Illustrator and Silhouette Studio. I would imagine the files will be the same size no matter the software. The file dimensions for the full pages are available in the post. These would be used before you ungroup the items. If you are looking for the file dimensions for each individual piece, they are: side pumpkin panel=width=1.817 height=8.705. One vellum panel is w=1.817 X h=7.639. Top polygon is W=2.5 X H=2.5. Bottom polygon is W=3.995 X H=3.995. Support rectangle is 5.75 X 0.427. Stem is W=0.964 X H=6.354. Leaf is W=4.082 X H=3.733. I hope this helps.
This is gorgeous. I’d love to have the free pdf and Svg file; incase I can go to the library and use their laser cutter. Thanks!!!
Hi Kathy. Thank you for the encouragement. The SVG files and PDF files are both in the library. You would need to subscribe at the top right sidebar to access the files in my free library. I’m not sure what a laser cutter is, but this is how you access my files for personal use. Hope this helps!
These are absolutly beautiful! They look so pretty lit up on the stairs.
Hi Michelle. Thank you. I have them on my stairs and it’s the perfect place for them.
Hi, I’m in the process of making one of your beautiful pumpkin lanterns and have found there are no measurements (that I have found) for the top and bottom, leaf or stem. I cut them with my Cricut just the way the we’re in the file but find them to be way too small. Would you be able to provide these measurements so I could complete the pumpkin? I’m making it for a cousin whose birthday is today. Thanks so much for the free files and your help.
Hi Victoria. It is much easier to resize them while they are all grouped together. Those measurements are in the post. The sizes for the individual pieces are: side pumpkin panel=width=1.817 height=8.705. One vellum panel is w=1.817 X h=7.639. Top polygon is W=2.5 X H=2.5. Bottom polygon is W=3.995 X H=3.995. Support rectangle is 5.75 X 0.427. Stem is W=0.964 X H=6.354. Leaf is W=4.082 X H=3.733. I think this is what you were looking for. If you have any other questions, let me know.
I’m curious as to why you used paper cement over other adhesives?
Hi Jamie. You can use other adhesives. I like the paper cement because it has a really strong bond and dries clear with no extra sticky residue. When constructing with paper, you want to make sure your adhesive holds really well or your project may come apart. I’ve had this happen in the past when using glue or tape runners. Hope this helps.
Absolutly loves these! It combines my love for fall and leaf patterns! Couldn’t be more beautiful!
Thank you Jamie. I’m so glad you like them!
Well, I cut all this out with my Cricut Air, put it all together – and it is BEAUTIFUL – However, I came into my craft room this morning to find this gorgeous pumpkin almost FLAT!!!! I used the expensive Cricut cardstock paper, too. I’m so disappointed. Boo Hoo. I suppose our extreme humidity in Florida is simply not meant for this project. I cut a second one and was going to take it with me on my trip out west and put together to give as a gift, but now I am hesitant. Whaaaaa.
Hi Diana. I’m sorry you’re having trouble. My pumpkins are holding up great…except the one on my bottom step that my dog keeps stepping on. 🙂 It looks like Cricut card-stock is 80 lb. cover, so I don’t think that is the problem. I did use the thicker vellum, 93 GSM or higher. The only other thing I can think of is the adhesive. I recommend the paper cement, it holds really well. While it could be the humidity, I think it might be one of these other things. If you still think it’s humidity, one other idea that could help is adding a tube of vellum to the middle of the pumpkin. I would cut it to the right height and roll it up like a toilet paper roll and secure it closed with adhesive. Then, slip it up the middle. Just make sure it’s wide enough to put your tea light in it. Hopefully one of these things will solve your problem. Happy crafting!
Hi,
I was able to take your idea, and created something similar for Cricut. I have a picture, but I don’t see where I can attach it. Also, I would be happy to share what I did, if someone could help me figure out how to do it.
Hi Carol. I would love to share your idea. I’ll send you an email and we’ll see what we can do.
Will rubber cement work? I can not find paper cement in the US. Thank you LOVE this.
Hi Sandy. Great question. I have not tried rubber cement, but I did a quick Google search for you. It looks like paper cement is just for paper, but rubber cement will even glue paper to metal, leather to book covers etc. I can’t speak from personal experience, but the description under rubber cement on Amazon says it works for paper. I was looking at BEST-TEST rubber cement. I hope this helps.
HI Just wondering with the paper cement – do you rub off the paper cement from the vellum after you put the 2 pieces together? Does the cement dry clear and unsticky unless connected to the other paper with the paper cement? just wondering how the paper cement works and if the glue lines show through once lit up? thanks
Hi Wendy. This is a good question. The paper cement does show slightly, but it’s not that sticky once it dries. You could rub it off of the exposed areas, but I just left it alone. It really doesn’t show that bad. Tape runners and the Xyron sticker machine leave a lot of long sticky glue webbing in the exposed areas. A glue stick will work in a pinch, but it may not hold together over time. That’s why I went with the paper cement, it created a strong bond, dried pretty clear and wasn’t overly sticky once it dried.
Hi Laura,
These paper pumpkins are beautiful. Thank you for sharing the files. I don’t have a cutting machine, but I wanted to try this project. I’m having trouble finding the PDF file. I only see SVG, DXF, EPS, and PNG.
Hi Su. I didn’t include the PDF on this project because I thought it would be a bit much for someone to cut by hand. I will be loading some updated files next week and I will include the PDF files for you. Check back late next week and it should be available.
Thank you so much!
Hi Su. You’re very welcome! I hope you enjoy the paper pumpkins as much as I do.
I have been trying to get a password for the pumpkin lanterns without success. Any tips? I have sent three times.
Hi Ann. I just manually added you and I will follow up with an email to make sure you’re all set. Sorry about that, every now and then the automated system doesn’t work out.
Hello and thank you very much for this amazing pumpkins! I just wanted to ask, if the Silhouette program knows which lines to cut and which ones are only to scratch, I can’t see it in the program and don’t want to waste paper.
Hi Steffi. Good question. You need to change the cut lines to score lines. I just finished a complete YouTube video on this, with Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio along with assembly instructions. It will be available tomorrow and I will be sending a newsletter out to let everyone know. This will show you exactly what to do.