Crazy Incredibles Pumpkin Craft for Preschoolers

Like last year this year also we participated in the Pumpkin decoration activity for kids, organised by Michaels
My 3.5 yr old daughter was so excited for the event. She just could not wait for the event to begin. You have to buy the pumpkin and they will provide the supplies and parents or care taker has to help out kids.
This crazy pumpkin design is 100% her own creation. I guess she was actually inspired by the one they kept for demo purpose. But the color combination and the eyes are all her imagination.
She had a blast making this one. It took a long time but considering her age I guess that was expected.We were very happy to see her happy.

Supplies you will need:
-Faux pumpkin
-Self sticking Foam sheets-black and white
-Pom Poms different sizes, different colors
-Google eyes :Jumbo size
-Chennile stems or pipe cleaners
-Safety scissors
-Pinking scissors
-craft knife
-Tacky Glue
-Feathers various colors
-Pencil/marker

Step wise instructions on how to make this Incredibles inspired Crazy Pumpkin
1. On a self sticking black foam sheet draw the shape of the eye mask. Cut it.SHould be done by adults or may be Adult supervision if the child is used to cutting.

2. Similarly on a black self sticking foam sheet draw the smile of the pumpkin.Cut it.
3. On a self sticking White foam sheet draw pointed crazy teeth and cut with pinking scissors or normal scissors are also fine.
4. Use tacky glue to stick pompom. For the rest of it normal glue is also fine.
5.Stick the feathers, google eyes etc.
6. For the crazy curly hair, roll the chennile stems or pipe cleaners on a pencil or marker and take them out.Some kids need Adults help to do this till they get hang of it.
7. At the end of the curly hair, just insert a little pom pom of contrasting color.
8. To insert the chennile stem hair, use something pointed to make hole, like pointed scissors or craft knife. Adults should make the holes and let the kids insert the hair.

Use you imagination to make it more crazy or different crazy. The possibilities are endless.
Have fun. Happy Halloween!!.

Tips:

-Use tacky glue in moderation. Works really well with little amount and sticks pretty quickly.I loved this one as kids get frustrated when things take time to stick.If you take too much tacky glue it will take longer time to dry and hence does not serve the purpose.
-For making hair, little kids might get tired, Adults please help them. Little hands get tired pretty quickly.

Pumpkin Craft for Halloween Decorations

In the spirit of Halloween here comes the most awaited Pumpkin Craft. I have made it this year to celebrate the festivities in my own way.It can be used as a centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table and will also make a great hostess gift for dinner invitations.

This fabulous craft is really easy to make and you can have multiple variations with the same supplies.Following supplies are required for the project:
- Craft Pumpkin - Medium size
- 2" wide Ribbon -3 feet your choice of Halloween themed colors
- Floral Wire
- Floral Tape
- Maple leaves bush -12-15 medium sized leaves in shades of Halloween themed colors like Orange, Green and Brown with glitter.
- Duplex paper - Orange color
- Three varieties of Halloween themed colored bush - Recommended varieties orange and dark brown bush, one bunch each.
- Scissors
- Craft knife
- Glue
For working with craft pumpkin the first step is to place it on a surface in such a way that it is accessible from all the sides easily and you can have a good view from all sides as well. Refer the picture and start marking on the pumpkin as to where you want to put the maple leaves.

In order to insert the maple leaves and bushes you have to prepare them. Cut them so that you have individual pieces (if you bought a creeper). Add wire to each leaf and individual piece of bush and wrap with floral tape.

Make small slits in the craft pumpkin using craft knife. Insert the leaves and bushes in the pumpkin. Secure them with glue. Also insert the flowers made out of duplex paper. You can make any kind of flowers as long as they are shades of Halloween themed colors.

If you do not want to make the flowers yourself, silk flowers of similar colors can be used to complete the arrangement.

Refer to my earlier posts to make double crepe paper flowers.
Finish the arrangement with the bow you made from the ribbon of your choice. Attaching wire to the bow makes it easy to secure in the pumpkin vase.


Tips: This arrangement can also be prepared using natural fall colored leaves. You just have to be little careful not to break them while inserting.
You can add a scarecrow to it too. Adding a crafted spider makes it little spooky too. It makes a great window display for the Halloween season.

Origami Bat : Wall Piece for Halloween Decoration

After I made the Owl wall piece using the Origami technique, I felt like creating more of the kind. With halloween round the corner it made me all the more excited to do this. Here comes the Spooky Bat wall piece. I must say this is much easier than the Owl and they look great together.

Supplies I used:

- Origami paper (double shaded not mandatory though) 7"
- Foam sheets (self sticking): Brown, Glitter-- Red,Silver, Green
- Scotch tape

Follow the steps in the pictures below. Refer to basic techniques for origami discussed in previous posts.




Add eyes and mouth to the bat. Hang the Bat upside down as they are usually hung upside down. Use a dark blue background to depict dark sky. You can create the background with moon or flowers too. It is all upto your taste.

I have used Silver background to make the Halloween series as a set.They make lovely wall decorations for my kiddo.Here is a picture of the set.


Happy Halloween to all. Have fun.

Origami Jack O' Lantern for Halloween Decoration

Any Halloween decoration is not complete without the Jack O' Lantern decoration.This year I have tried to create a simple yet wonderful Origami Jack O' Lantern wall piece. Its an inexpensive, easy craft for kids and other family members to create and enjoy. You can use the Origami Jack O' Lantern even without the background and make many of them and display on wall or windows.
I am creating this for wall decoration and as one of the pieces in the set of three Origami Halloween Wall Pieces.

Supplies needed:
- Orange Origami Paper 7"
- Card Stock Black
- Self sticking foam sheets: Glitter green and black and Glitter Silver
- Craft Knife
- Scotch Tape

Follow the instructions for basic origami techniques as discussed in previous posts.
Following pictures show the step by step instructions to make the Origami Pumpkin.
Once you have made the basic pumpkin shape, using craft knife cut out the eyes, nose and the mouth from black foam sheet as shown in the picture.
Also cut the green glitter stem and the corners (using silver glitter foam). Refer the picture and stick them on the card stock.

The cute and easy to make Jack O' Lantern is ready.I added silver foam sheet with glitter as base to give the project a more finished look. Parents must supervise kids when using craft knife.

Tip: You can use different size of Orange Origami paper and create different size and kinds of Jack O' Lantern to make a bigger wall piece or window decoration.
Have fun.