Introduction: How to Make a Pumpkin Prop

By modelshop.co.uk
About: A shop offering over 5,500 model making materials, tools and accessories for all 3D design disciplines including architecture, theatre set design, animation, product & interior design, prop making, cosplay…

The method below examines how we went about the task.

There is a full list of materials used, all are available from our website www.modelshop.co.uk

Supplies

500mm polystyrene sphere (SB91028)
UHU Por Styrofoam adhesive 40g (AP00022)
Retractable craft knife (TK10039)
Sandpaper (60/70 grit) (TA10000)
Foamcoat 500ml (FT03005)

plus an orange emulsion/acrylic paint of your choice.

Step 1: Glue & Divide

Glue the two halves of the sphere using UHU Por Styrofoam adhesive.

Draw on the segments of the pumpkin, dividing in half, then quarters, then eighths, then sixteenths.

Step 2: Press & Score

Flatten the sphere on the top by applying gentle pressure.

Using a craft knife cut grooves into the pumpkin following the drawn lines.

Step 3: Sand & Coat

Gently sand the grooves to smooth them using a course sand paper.

Seal the pumpkin using watered down PVA glue (AP00037) , Foam Armour (FT03006) or Rosco foam coat (FT03005).

Step 4: Sand & Seal

When dry, sand the surface to smooth out the larger imperfections.

Using a filler fill the joint. When dry sand and then seal.

Step 5: Undercoat

Apply an undercoat to the pumpkin preferably using an emulsion type paint.

Step 6: Create a Smooth Surface

When painted fill any areas that are not smooth then sand, seal and paint.

Step 7: Apply Top Coat

Apply a coat of Acrylic paint to give solid satin finish.

Step 8: Shade the Grooves

Using the acrylic orange darkened with a small amount of black paint to use as shading in the grooves.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

A shaded pumpkin.

Dress the pumpkin with a stork, leaves and tendrils.