Learn how to make a quick, easy, and fluffy pipe cleaner pumpkin that glows in the dark with this guide. This chenille stem mini pumpkin is filled with battery-charged fairy lights. It is an irresistible Halloween decoration, a Halloween trick-or-treating lantern, and a Halloween bag hanging.
DIY Fairy-Lights Filled Pipe Cleaner Pumpkin
Making this pipe cleaner pumpkin won’t take more than 10 minutes. So, you can prepare many pumpkin plushies for making a fall garland or an addition to your fall craft fair inventory.
This pipe cleaner pumpkin plushie is made using the same method as the witch hat pumpkin plush. That is, to make the separate pumpkin ridges and join them using hot glue. Now, continue reading for the full DIY tutorial to make your pumpkin.
DIY Pipe Cleaner Pumpkin with Fairy Lights
Create a beautiful glowing pumpkin using soft pipe cleaners and battery-operated fairy lights. This craft is easy to make, lightweight, and perfect for Halloween, autumn décor, table centrepieces, or festive gifts.
Materials
- 21 cm orange pipe cleaners (5 * 4= 20)
- 1 tan or brown pipe cleaner (for the stem)
- Battery-operated fairy lights (small LED string)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Lip balm tube or another small round object (for shaping the stem)
Characteristics
- Soft and lightweight
- Beginner-friendly
- No sewing required
- Reusable seasonal decoration
- Safe with cool LED battery fairy lights
- Finished size depends on how tightly the pumpkin is assembled
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Pipe Cleaners
Take 4 orange pipe cleaners and line them up evenly. Fold them exactly in half and press the fold firmly to create a clear centre crease.
Separate the four folded pipe cleaners.
Step 2 – Build One Pumpkin Ridge
Take one folded pipe cleaner and open it slightly to form a V shape.
Insert the remaining three folded pipe cleaners upside down through this V so that all four meet neatly at the centre.
Twist the base first pipe cleaner V-shape tightly around the centre to secure the bottom pipe cleaners in place.
Step 3 – Form the Ridge
Separate the lower pipe cleaner ends evenly.
Fan out the top V-shaped ends, then bend each one downward so they line up with the lower ends.
About 2 cm from each tip, twist the matching ends together.
Wrap the remaining pipe cleaner or take a new one end around the twisted tip to secure it neatly.
Step 4 – Shape the Pumpkin Ridge
Wrap each completed section gently around your wrist to create a soft, curved pumpkin ridge.
Adjust the curve until it looks rounded and natural.
Repeat these steps until you have 5 identical pumpkin ridges.
Step 5 – Assemble the Pumpkin
Arrange the first 3 pumpkin ridges side by side and twist or glue them together where they meet.
Place the battery-operated fairy light pack inside the centre of the pumpkin.
Position the LED lights evenly throughout the pumpkin for a soft glow.
Attach the remaining 2 pumpkin ridges using hot glue to completely close the pumpkin.
Step 6 – Make the Stem
Take the tan pipe cleaner and wrap it tightly around a lip balm tube.
Slide it off carefully to create a neat spiral.
Attach the spiral securely to the top centre of the pumpkin using hot glue.
Your glowing pipe cleaner pumpkin is now complete.
Beginner?
Tips for the Best Results
- Fold all pipe cleaners exactly in the centre so every ridge is the same size.
- Twist tightly but gently to avoid bending the wire.
- Shape each ridge before assembling the pumpkin for a more even look.
- Use only cool LED battery fairy lights.
- Spread the lights evenly inside for a balanced glow.
- Apply hot glue sparingly to keep the pumpkin neat.
- Curl the ridges gently with your fingers to give the pumpkin a fuller, more realistic shape.
Professional Finish
- Make sure all ridges are evenly spaced.
- Hide twisted wire ends inside the pumpkin.
- Keep the stem centred and firmly attached.
- Fluff and adjust the ridges after assembly to create a smooth, round pumpkin.
- Wipe away any visible glue strings once the glue has cooled for a clean, polished appearance.
Enjoy displaying your handmade glowing pipe cleaner pumpkin as a cosy autumn decoration or festive Halloween accent.
About "KitschyFlore"
About "Talha"
Hey, I’m Talha, the Crafter on Craftstive.com. I love to share guides on folding cute origami models and paper crafts, and I am always ready to inspire your next craft project with my weekly craft discussions.