Paper Pumpkins

Like maize and squash, pumpkins are uniquely American and were part of the Columbian Exchange. Explore how Native Americans planted the "three sisters"—maize, beans, and pumpkins—as a model of sustainability: http://www.allaboutpumpkins.com/history.html.

OBJECTIVE
Cutting in straight lines. Measuring one foot by one inch on the ruler. Cutting out spirals and curves.

MATERIALS
Scissors, ruler, colored paper (shades of orange, brown and yellow; shades of green for the leaves), brads or brass fasteners, hole punch (preferably micro-size)

DIRECTIONS
1) Cut 12 strips of colored paper that measure 1 inch x 12 inches (1 inch x 8 inches for the smaller pumpkins).
2) Using the punch, make a hole at either end of each strip of paper.

3) Insert one brad into each hole on either end (stack each piece of paper on top of another onto the brads).
4) Once the brads have been secured on either end, carefully fan out the strips of paper to create a spherical pumpkin shape.

5)   Cut out leaf shapes.
6)   To make the curly vine, cut a circle in green paper. Cut in a spiral motion until you’ve reached the center of the circle. Expand the paper to bring your curly vine to life.
7)   Glue the leaves and vine onto the top of your pumpkin (to hide the fastener) or punch a hole and slip them onto the fastener along with the other strips of paper.