Small branch - My favorite way to create pumpkin stems is to just use a small branch or large stick from outside. You can cut the stick into a pumpkin-sized stem and it looks just like the real thing! Brown Paper Bag - You can also use a brown paper bag. Just twist the bag until the shape looks right. trim the paper stem and add a bit of glue to help the paper stem hold its shape. Modeling Clay - Use a bit of clay to create the shape of the stem. After the stem has dried, paint it bown. Wrap a pumpkin stem-shaped object with burlap twine or raffia - A small piece of PVC pipe trimmed to size, a wine cork, or just about any object of similar shape. Just wrap it with the twine, add glue, and Voilà! You have a DIY pumpkin stem.