Love jack-o'-lanterns? So do we. But there’s more to do with pumpkins than just carving. Here’s how to create some fun things with pumpkins.
Fun pumpkin masks
I don't know about your kids, but mine go crazy for costuming and regularly dress up — my son in his old Halloween costumes and my daughter in her many princess dresses. They also love to don all sorts of capes, masks and hats. With this fun craft, you can add to that stash on the cheap — and with their help.
You need:
- orange foam sheets
- scissors
- markers
- ribbon
Directions:
- Gently fold the orange foam sheet in half and cut a half-oval shape with an upright rectangle near the top of the fold.
- Hold the sheet up to your child's face and gently mark approximately where the eyes should be .
- Cut out triangles for the eyes and a triangle for the nose, using the scissors or X-ACTO knife .
- Use the markers to decorate the pumpkin, adding shade lines and coloring in the stem, as desired.
- Cut holes or slits in each side of the pumpkin. Thread ribbon through each side and secure.
- Use the ribbons to tie on the mask.
Project pumpkin
Let your kids go all Project Runway on a pumpkin with this simple and easy craft.
You need:
- small pumpkin
- jewelry string/wire
- beads
- hot glue gun with glue
- ribbon
Directions:
- Secure one end of the wire or string to the pumpkin stem. Thread beads on, periodically looping the string around and through beads to keep them in place.
- Wind the beads around the pumpkin and then secure about every 3 inches with tape.
- Heat the hot glue gun. Place dabs of glue on the pumpkin, securing the ribbon as you go.
Wacky pumpkin T-shirt
Decorate a T-shirt with an adorable pumpkin perfect for the season.
You need:
- 1 large piece of paper
- tape
- T-shirt
- newspaper
- spray fabric paint
- additional fabric paint, as needed
Directions:
- Cut a pumpkin shape out of the paper. Be sure not to cut the outside of the paper. Use tape to secure the homemade stencil to the shirt. Spread newspaper to cover exposed areas of the shirt.
- Using the spray fabric paint, paint in the pumpkin area. Let dry completely.
- Use additional fabric paint as desired, to add detail to the pumpkin. You may want to color the pumpkin stem, add some vines and leaves or even paint a jack-o'-lantern on yours.
- Let the shirt dry for 24 hours before wearing.
More fall crafts for kids
3 Fall crafts for kids
3 Simple autumn candle crafts
DIY vintage paper leaf wreath