I love turning pumpkins into playful food-themed decorations for Halloween, and this year I continued the tradition with burger pumpkins. They’re whimsical, easy to make, and a fun addition to any autumn display.
Supplies you’ll need:
– Small, flat white “Baby Boo” pumpkins (or regular orange pumpkins if you prefer)
– Tan or bun-colored craft paint and a paintbrush (you can mix paints to get the right shade)
– Sesame seeds
– Streamers or tissue paper in green, brown, yellow and red
– Hot glue gun
Step-by-step directions:
1. Paint the pumpkin with your tan or bun-colored paint. Depending on coverage, you may want to paint the bottom first, let it dry, then paint the top so you get an even finish.
2. While the top layer of paint is still tacky, sprinkle sesame seeds over it so they stick. If you plan to transport the pumpkins often, add a little craft glue under each seed or press them into slightly wetter paint to secure them better.
3. Create the burger “patty” by cutting a long strip of brown streamer or tissue paper roughly twice the pumpkin’s circumference. Crumple or scrunch the strip to add texture, then glue it around the pumpkin just below the midpoint. Work in short sections so the paper sits naturally; trim any excess when finished.
4. If you want a cheeseburger, cut small triangles from yellow streamer or tissue paper to resemble slices of cheese and glue them above the brown layer.
5. Cut rounded, thin slices of red streamer to form tomato pieces and glue them in place above the cheese or patty layer.
6. For the lettuce, cut a strip of green streamer slightly longer than the pumpkin’s circumference. Slice that strip lengthwise so you have a narrower piece, fold it in half, then cut wavy edges on the open side. With the piece still folded, glue it to the pumpkin above the tomato layer. Gently fluff the folded edges to create a leafy, ruffled effect.
And that’s it—order up! These burger pumpkins make a playful centerpiece or porch accent for Halloween and fall gatherings. They’re inexpensive to make, customizable with different paper colors and textures, and a great activity to do with kids or friends.
All photos by Studio DIY
I hope you add these burger pumpkins to your food-themed pumpkin collection this season—have fun crafting!