No-carve pumpkin: Scary cherry

Materials 2 small pumpkins Red spray paint 18-gauge copper wire, 40-in. length Duct tape Scissors Newspaper Water Flour Bowl Paper towel Green tissue paper Mod Podge Sponge brush Green construction paper Glue gun Toy spider

Directions 1. Spray-paint both pumpkins red. Let dry at least 1 hour.

2. To frame the cherry stems, fold copper wire in half to form a “V” shape. Twist one end around the stem of a pumpkin, and secure with duct tape. Repeat with other end and remaining pumpkin. Roll sections of newspaper around each piece of wire and secure with duct tape.

3. Combine equal parts water and flour in a bowl to make papier-mâché paste, and set aside. Rip pieces of paper towel (or more newspaper) into strips. Soak paper strips in papier-mâché paste, and then smooth strips over the “stems.” Let dry.

4. Cut green tissue paper into 2-in. squares (this makes it easier to work with). Affix tissue paper to stems with Mod Podge applied with a sponge brush according to package instructions. Let dry overnight.

5. Cut a large leaf shape from green construction paper. Fold leaf in the middle to form a crease. Unfold and affix leaf to the top of stem using hot glue.

6. Affix a toy spider on one of the stems using hot glue.

A version of this article appeared in our October 2015 issue with the headline “Smashing pumpkins,” pp. 77-82.