Jill A. Chafin
When it comes to fall decorating, it’s hard to beat the pumpkin for an all-things-autumnal vibe. These eight pumpkin-themed crafts are perfect for all ages and will get your house ready for the season.
We’ve included both projects that require real pumpkins, and some paper crafts (in case you can’t get your hands on the real thing). The best part is you can use these decorative crafts all season, not just for Halloween.
If you carefully pack away the paper crafts, you can even use them again next year!
Painted Pumpkins
Painting real pumpkins is a great way to easily express your family’s creative side. Plus, you can still carve them for Halloween.
All you need are some pumpkins (any size), paint, and masking tape. That’s it! Use an array of colors and scatter them on your porch, line your driveway, or display them in your windows.
Check out the full tutorial on The House That Lars Built.
Crayon Drip Pumpkins
If you have kids, you have crayons—millions of ’em. What do you do when those crayons get broken or whittled down to small nubs? You repurpose them for a fun craft project!
First, place the old crayons on top of a large pumpkin (use a bit of craft glue to secure them if they try to roll away).
Next, use a hot air dryer to melt those crayons! Your kids will ohh! and aah!, as they watch the colors blur and mix. You can use specific colors to fit a theme, like black and white for Halloween spider webs, or mix colors to create a rainbow effect.
Make sure the crayon wax cools completely before you attempt to touch or move the pumpkin.
You can follow the tutorial at There’s Just One Mommy.
Pumpkin Candles
Looking for some warm, cozy candles to keep your spirits up this fall? It’s incredibly easy to make your own. All you need are some mini pumpkins, candle wax, and a few wicks. Go heavy on the adult supervision if your kiddos want to help with this project.
Most importantly, make sure you save those pumpkin seeds for a delicious roasted snack. Then, sit back and relax in the soft ambiance created by your homemade candles. Fall doesn’t get much better than this!
You’ll find the full tutorial at Kitchn.
Happy Pumpkins
Who doesn’t love a happy, silly pumpkin face? It’s time to give those gourds some personality!
All you need are mini pumpkins, large googly eyes, and some colored markers. You can make happy pumpkins, sad pumpkins, scary pumpkins, or any other emotion you want.
After your personality pumpkins are complete, consider displaying them at the end of your driveway to bring a smile to your neighbors. We all need a good laugh these days!
You can read the full tutorial at Beauty Through Imperfection.
Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins
Wait! Don’t toss out those used toilet paper rolls! We’ve got just the craft for you. Cut them open, paint them with glitter, and then roll them up for a quick and easy pumpkin craft.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Paint
- Sponges or brushes
- Tape
- Decorative (or real) leaves
- Glitter glue
You can use these as decorative centerpieces for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or even to create a fancy restaurant experience at home.
Check out the full tutorial at Pinning Everyday.
Pumpkin Suncatcher
These colorful, vibrant suncatchers can transform ordinary windows into a festive display. They glitter and sparkle just like stained glass, but they’re made from cellophane! How cool! This is an easy project for kids of all ages, and adults can join the fun, too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Colored cellophane
- Orange cardstock
- Black paper
- Contact paper
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
You can watch the video above or follow the full tutorial at Crafts on Sea.
Craft Sticks Pumpkin Magnet
This project is incredibly easy and fun. Plus, you’ll have a practical magnet at the end of it! Hey, your fridge needs to get into the fall spirit, too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Popsicle sticks
- Orange and black craft paint
- Green pipe cleaner
- Cardstock
- Hot glue gun
- Elmer’s glue
- Scissors
- Magnets
You can follow the tutorial at Today’s Creative Ideas.
Paper Plate Pumpkins
We love crafts you can make with basic stuff around the house. Pull out those paper plates, some paint, and pipe cleaners, and you’re ready to make some cool pumpkins!
Hang the finished pumpkins from your windows or tape them to your front door. Better yet, make some extras to give as gifts to your neighbors. It’s yet another way you can spread some cheer during this crazy pandemic. Just be sure you sanitize your finished crafts before delivering them.
You can check out the full tutorial at Fireflies and Mud Pies.
Pumpkin crafts are the perfect way to welcome autumn. Plus, we all need some activities to keep our hands busy and our minds focused.
Looking for more pumpkin-themed ideas? Check out how you can incorporate them into your fall decor.
