3D Origami Pumpkin Garland

This 3D origami pumpkin garland with string lights is the perfect Halloween or fall decoration.

Made using inflatable origami pumpkins, this garland combines craft and festive fun.

Add a little glow with string lights and create a warm, cozy atmosphere at home or for your Halloween party!

Looking for a unique and festive way to light up your home this Halloween or autumn season?

This origami pumpkin garland with string lights is a creative and easy way to add warmth and charm to your space.

Using inflatable origami pumpkins as the base, you can attach them onto string lights (fairy lights) to create an enchanting glow that’s perfect for your Halloween party, fall gathering, or just adding some seasonal cheer to your living room.

The best part? This project is simple to make, doesn’t require any special tools or skills, and will leave you with a fun, customizable decoration.

Whether you’re crafting for a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving celebration, or just for a cozy, autumn vibe, this project will make your space feel festive and inviting.

It's also an ideal project for kids, crafting groups, or a DIY home decor project.

You can make the origami pumpkins ahead of time (they’re easy to create) and then simply attach them to string lights for an instant, glowing display.

This garland works great on mantels, around windows, along a staircase railing, or even draped across a dining table for a spooky touch.

If you want to make it even more fun, add faces to the pumpkins or use different colors and patterns of paper.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Easy and fun to make with just paper and string lights
• Inflatable pumpkins add a unique 3D touch
• Ideal for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or autumn decorations
• Works as a perfect table decoration or wall hanging
• Customizable—you can draw faces, use different colors, or even mix in other seasonal themes like fall leaves
• Perfect to make in advance or last minute.
• Perfect for DIY enthusiasts, kids, or party hosts

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)

Materials Needed

• Origami paper – we recommend using thinner origami paper so that the light can really shine through the pumpkin. Best to use paper that is white on one side and colored/patterned on the other.
• String lights (fairy lights or small LED lights)
• Tape to attach the pumpkins
• Markers (optional, for drawing faces or extra details)

Great starting size for your pumpkins: 6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm) paper.

Instructions

Making The Pumpkins

Step 1: Start with the color you want your pumpkin to be facing up.

Step 2: Fold the left side to meet the right side.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

Step 5: Unfold previous step.

Step 6: Flip your paper over from left to right.

Step 7: Fold the bottom left corner to meet the top right corner.

Step 8: Unfold previous step.

Step 9: Fold the bottom right corner up to meet the top left corner.

Step 10: Unfold previous step.

Step 11: Hold the left and right sides of the paper and bring the sides inwards and then down. Flatten the paper into a triangle shape. This is known as an origami water bomb base.

Step 12: Fold the bottom left and right corners (top layer only) up to meet the top point.

Step 13: Fold the top left flap down to meet the bottom edge, making a small crease only in the centre.

Step 14: Unfold previous step.

Step 15: Fold the left and right points of the inner flaps to meet the crease you made in step 13.

Step 16: Fold the top 2 points down to align with the flaps your made in the previous step.

Step 17: Fold the same flaps outward on a diagonal.

Tips For Success

• Use battery-operated LED string lights to avoid long cords and keep it safer for indoors.
• Use strong tape or glue dots to secure the pumpkins onto the string lights, but make sure the tape doesn’t cover the bulbs to avoid overheating.
• When using string lights with your origami pumpkins, make sure to follow the safety instructions provided with the lights. Always handle them carefully, especially around water or damp areas.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

• Pumpkins falling off the string lights: Make sure to securely tape the pumpkins on both sides of the paper, ensuring they hold tight.
• Pumpkin faces don’t show up well: If you're using markers to decorate, make sure the ink is dry before inflating the pumpkins to avoid smudging.
• String lights too long or too short: Plan the placement of the string lights before attaching pumpkins to avoid having too much excess wire or not enough to stretch across the space.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

• Traditional orange pumpkins: Stick with the classic Halloween look for a bright, bold display.
• Patterned paper: Mix it up with fun patterns like stripes, polka dots, or even spooky designs like skulls or bats for a unique twist.
• Glowing pumpkins: If your string lights are colored, try matching your pumpkin colors (green for a spooky effect, yellow for a warm glow)
• Mini pumpkins: Use smaller paper sizes to make mini pumpkins for a more intricate garland, or mix large and small pumpkins for variety.
• Glow-in-the-dark paper: Choose glow-in-the-dark origami paper for a spooky, glowing effect when the lights are off.

FAQ

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Origami Ladybird
• Easy Origami Skull
• Easy Origami Pouch
• Traditional Origami Basket
• Origami Wallet
• 2D Origami Tulip