Pumpkin Suncatcher Halloween Kids' Craft

Halloween is coming up! Unless, of course, you go by the store display schedule. In that case, it’s been fall since somewhere in July. If you’re just starting to get around to dressing up your home for any autumn festivities (I haven’t even really begun yet either), these Halloween pumpkin kids’ crafts are perfect.

These are super-simple to make and teach the kids a lesson or two. Not only are the kiddos getting artsy, but they are learning about math (shapes and the fractions) and science. You can hang the finished product on the windows and watch the sun shine in through the pumpkin’s eyes, nose and mouth. Use this as an opportunity to explore the science of the light. Ask your child why the light comes through the cut out shapes, but not through the rest of the jack o’lantern. You can also use a flashlight (if you don’t want to hang the art on a window) to explore and experiment.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Black craft foam

·        Scissors

·        Orange acetate – Or you can use clear orange folder dividers.

·        Double-sided tape

·        A white crayon or chalk

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Fold the craft foam in half.

2.     Starting at the fold, draw a semi-circle. Ask your child what she thinks will happen when you unfold the foam.

3.     Add half of a square at the top to make a stem.

4.     Cut around the drawing.

5.     Unfold the foam to see what happens.
 

6.     Re-fold the pumpkin. Again, starting at the fold cut half of a triangle for the nose and half of a semi-circle (or smile) to make the mouth.

7.     Unfold the pumpkin again.

8.     Cut two circle or triangle shaped eyes at the top.
 

9.     Turn the pumpkin over onto its back.

10.  Cut the acetate into a circle that is slightly smaller than the pumpkin shape.
 

11.   Place the tape on the craft foam. Stick the acetate on top.

12.  Hang the Halloween craft on the window!

 

Are you looking for more kids’ fall crafts? Check out our:

Glitter pumpkins

Leaf wreath

Fizzing fall paint

AND... Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Fall Activities for Kids on Pinterest.

DIY Arts and Crafts Organizer for Kids

I have an art bin in my basement. I would love to say that it’s meticulously organized but in reality it’s an old laundry basket that I toss everything artsy into. I know that I should keep the markers out of the oil pastel bag and that the paint brushes shouldn’t just rest on some old cardboard. But honestly, I can’t stand spending the cash on those cute (but, very pricey) organizers. So, I’ll occasional buy the cheap-o versions. While they do offer some relief from the nest of brushes and crayons that I‘ve accumulated, they don’t look very nice.

 

 

To solve my organizational dilemma of how to keep the crafting materials neat without going over-budget, we made our own brush/pencil/marker/craft stock holder box. All it really took was an old tissue box and some tape! This is so super-simple to make and your child can dress it up however she wants. She can make a rainbow pattern, her own initials, shapes or the letter “A” for art. If you’re reading that last line and thinking, “Wow! She might also learn a lesson or two!” you’re right. If you’re working on learning her first letter, have her add that to the design. If math is on the agenda, play with patterns, shapes or talk about fractions (divide the sides into fourths using different colors). When she’s done with her project, fill it with art tools and set it on a table or desk. It is ready for use – and, it looks pretty too!

Here’s What You’ll Need:

 

·        A tall tissue box—You can use a flat one for other arts and crafts items such as scrap collage paper or crayons.

·        Duct tape – Choose the colorful kind. You can use as many colors as your child wants. If you really want to get fancy, try a patterned version (I’ve even seen mac and cheese duct tape).

·        Scissors

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Start at the top of the box. Peel off a piece of tape that is slightly longer than the box top. Press the tape onto the top. Remind your child to avoid the opening. If she covers some of it, you can always cut away the extra later.

2.     Continue peeling tape until your child covers the entire box top.

3.     Move down to the sides. Peel and stick the tape on all four sides of the box.

 

4.     Add a design. Make a pattern by cutting thinner or smaller pieces of tape. Your child can add lines, make shapes or create letters.

 

 

Are you looking for more creative crafts? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas galore!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Creative Kids Crafts on Pinterest.