How to Make a Pumpkin Decoration Using an Old Book and Proxxon Tools

 This fun and easy project is perfect for autumn home decorating. 

Supplies and Equipment that you'll need:

• Old book
• Hot glue and glue gun
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Orange acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Jute twine to make tendrils
• Artificial leaves
• 2" to 3" twig for the stem

Let's make a book pumpkin:

1. Remove the cover from your book.
   
   
   
2. Draw half a pumpkin shape (similar to the one below) as a pattern.
   
   
   
3. Trace your pattern onto the first page of the book.
   
   
   
4. Cut the pumpkin pattern using the bansdaw or scroll saw.
   
   
   
5. Manipulate and fan the pages to soften the spine.
6. Hot glue the edges of the spine together.
   
   
   
7. Next, glue the first and last pages together. You'll have something that looks like this.
   
   
   
8. Now, working with small sections of the book, paint the edges of the pages. I watered down my paint to about 2 parts paint :: 1 part water. As the pages absorb the water, they take on a nice rippled form.
   
   
   
9. Separate each of the pages to achieve a full pumpkin. Set aside to dry.
   
   
   
10. Make tendrils by wrapping the twine around ¼" dowel or large knitting needle. Secure the ends with pinch clothespins, Liberally mist the twine with water. Bake in a 250°F oven for 20 minutes. When the twine is cool, slide it from the rod and cut into lengths for tendrils.
11. Hot glue the twig, leaves, and tendrils in place on top of the pumpkin.
    
    
    
12. Display your book pumpkin with pride!!
    

Carole