Looking for a fun and spooky craft to do with the kids this Halloween? Try making these adorable Pumpkin Mummies! They’re the perfect mix of cute and creepy, and they’re so simple that even toddlers and preschoolers can join in on the fun. With a few basic supplies, you can create a whole family of pumpkin mummies to decorate your home for Halloween. Whether you make one or a whole spooky gang, this craft is sure to be a hit with the little ones (and adults too)!
Why Make Pumpkin Mummies?
Every Halloween needs a family of pumpkin mummies! It’s a craft that’s easy enough for kids but fun for adults too. You can make it a family project, where everyone gets to create their own mummy pumpkin – a great way to spend some quality time together while also prepping for Halloween.
If you don’t have real pumpkins handy, don’t worry. There are so many alternatives! Check out these 35 Pumpkin Crafts for Kids that use everything from paper to paint to satisfy your pumpkin-crafting needs.
Picking the Perfect Pumpkins
I decided to use four pumpkins from the huge pile we had sitting on our front porch. I picked ones that reminded me of our family members – yep, never thought I’d compare pumpkins to my family, but here we are! After picking out the perfect pumpkins, I got started decorating. I didn’t have instructions for this craft, just a picture of pumpkin mummies I found on bhg.com for inspiration.
Before jumping in, I made a couple of mummies myself to figure out the process. It’s always nice to have a few examples to show the kids before they get started – especially Henry, who didn’t even know what a mummy was at first!
Big & Small Pumpkin Mummies: A Fun Challenge
One thing I learned pretty quickly is that the smaller pumpkins are much trickier to wrap than the big ones. So, if you’re doing this with young kids, I recommend letting them handle the bigger pumpkins. I gave Henry the largest pumpkin (which we dubbed the “Dad Pumpkin”) to wrap, and he had a blast spinning it around while I helped with the gauze.
What You’ll Need to Make Pumpkin Mummies
Here’s a quick rundown of the supplies you’ll need for your pumpkin mummy family:
- 4 yards of gauze (I used 1 roll for all four pumpkins)
- Googly eyes (two per pumpkin, in sizes that match your pumpkins)
- Black sticky foam (for the mouths, or you can use black construction paper if that’s easier)
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Pumpkin Mummies
Making your pumpkin mummies is as simple as wrapping and sticking! Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Gauze
Start by cutting your roll of gauze in half lengthwise. For smaller pumpkins, cut the gauze in half again to make it easier to wrap.
2. Attach the Gauze
Using hot glue, attach one end of the gauze to the back of the pumpkin. This will be the starting point for wrapping your mummy.
3. Wrap the Pumpkin
This is where the fun starts! Let the kids wrap the gauze around the pumpkin. For the bigger pumpkins, Henry loved spinning them while I held the gauze. If you’re working with smaller pumpkins, you might need to hot glue the gauze in a couple of places to help it stay in place.
4. Add the Eyes
Once your pumpkins are fully wrapped, it’s time to give them some personality. Hot glue the googly eyes onto the pumpkin. To make them look even spookier, tuck the eyes just under the edge of the gauze, so they’re peeking out.
5. Create the Mouth
For the mouth, cut a small triangle from your black sticky foam (or black construction paper) and stick it on. If you want to add an extra cute factor, you can cover the mouth area completely with gauze, then cut a small slit for an adorable little opening.
Tips for Success
- Smaller pumpkins can be tricky. If you’re wrapping a small pumpkin, be prepared to hot glue the gauze in a few spots to keep it in place.
- Let the kids do the wrapping. This is the part they’ll enjoy the most! It doesn’t have to be perfect – the uneven, messy wrapping adds to the mummy look.
- Mix and match materials. Don’t be afraid to get creative! If you don’t have gauze, try using white fabric or even toilet paper for a super budget-friendly alternative.
Enjoy Your Spooky Pumpkin Mummy Family!
And that’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve got yourself a spooky (and adorable) family of pumpkin mummies. These little guys are perfect for decorating your home, porch, or even your Halloween party. Plus, the kids will feel so proud seeing their creations on display. Whether you make a small group or a whole mummy army, this craft is sure to bring some Halloween fun to your home.
Happy crafting, and have a spooktacular Halloween!
