We recently posted some incredibly adorable Pumpkin Crafts for Preschool and then noticed that we had completely overlooked Suncatcher Pumpkins to create with preschoolers. We have actually made plenty before – but unbelievably, I cannot locate the photos!! Goodness. Still, I wanted to share these Suncatcher Pumpkin Templates that we already had…
What makes our templates especially great? There are two sets of three designs to pick from! One collection can be used “simply” as pumpkins throughout Fall and Thanksgiving… while the other is perfect for Halloween, allowing you to make your very own Jack O’Lantern Suncatchers.
That means you have the materials for two crafts in one right here today!
Suncatchers are incredibly simple to make! If you know Red Ted Art, you may have already seen our well-loved suncatcher crafts, including:
Apple Suncatchers for Fall
Our highly popular Poppy Suncatcher Templates can also be used as flower designs for spring and summer.
Our wonderfully simple Easter Egg Suncatcher Templates
And our Paper Plate Star of David Suncatcher Template!
The method for each of these suncatcher crafts is generally very similar. Simply replace the seasonal templates as needed. Today’s designs are suitable for Fall, Thanksgiving and Halloween!
Supplies needed to make Suncatcher Pumpkins:
- Black construction paper
- Pencil and scissors (for tracing and cutting your pumpkin templates)
- Contact paper
- Tissue paper in orange, yellow, or red (although I also adore this purple and blue color scheme too)
ALTERNATIVELY… you could use:
- Orange construction paper
- Coffee filters (depending on their size, you might need more than one for each pumpkin)
- Water-based pens
- A water spray bottle
- Scissors and glue
Honestly, I feel that coffee filter suncatcher pumpkins are likely more eco friendly. They may also cost less when you are creating them in a classroom!
That said, tearing or cutting tissue paper into squares and little pieces provides excellent practice for finger strength and cutting skills! Consider your classroom learning goals, then choose the option that best suits them!
The templates are FREE – just enter $0 at checkout, or make a small donation if you would like to.
How to make Suncatcher Pumpkins
Suncatcher Preparation
Begin by cutting the pumpkin outlines from the black paper. Save the leftover pieces, since you can use them to create a smaller “free hand” pumpkin suncatcher and cut out several Jack O’Lantern faces.
Secure your contact paper with masking tape, keeping the sticky side facing upward. Make the sheet whatever size works for you! For example, use one piece per child or one large sheet for the whole group.
Have the children tear or cut the tissue paper into small pieces – little squares work well. We enjoyed combining a little orange tissue paper with yellow and red in our pumpkin suncatchers. However, using one colour would look beautiful too, especially when the pieces are slightly layered to create darker areas.
A small amount of brown or green tissue paper can also be used for the pumpkin stem, although it is completely optional!
Begin the pumpkin craft
Arrange the pumpkin outlines on the contact paper.
If making a Halloween Jack O’Lantern Suncatcher: include your Jack O’Lantern face as well. You can use one of the provided Jack O’Lantern shapes or create your own. Remember to place the face down BEFORE adding the tissue paper!
Begin assembling your poppy suncatcher.
OPTIONAL: after covering the design with tissue paper, you can brush a layer of glue over the top if desired. Keep in mind that yellow tissue paper, for example, may become transparent when glue is applied. It does, however, help the craft last longer. We tried it on one, and it turned out nicely!
Cut out your DIY Pumpkin Suncatchers – either leave a narrow border of contact paper so the piece can attach straight to a window, or trim it precisely and fasten your lovely Poppy Craft with bluetak or something similar!
FINISHED!!! We hope you enjoyed these easy suncatcher pumpkin instructions and, most importantly, our pumpkin templates!!!
Do share your completed creations with us!
And that’s it! Have fun!
Searching for more wonderfully cute Pumpkin Crafts for Preschoolers? Give these a try:
