Easy Paper Plate Pumpkin Jack O’ Lantern Craft

Find out out how to make this simple Paper Plate Jack O’ Lantern craft that is perfect for Halloween.

Paper plate crafts are some of my favorites to do with kids. This paper plate pumpkin just might be one of the cutest ones we have ever made.

Not only is the pumpkin a cute craft, it’s a fun Halloween decoration the kids will love making.

My kids had so much fun putting together this craft. As soon as they finished it we had to go test it out in the dark pantry.

The fact that you can make this craft light up at night makes it even more fun for kids (and adults).

Paper Plate Jack O’ Lantern Craft Supplies

To make this fun Halloween pumpkin craft you need only a few craft supplies.

• 2 Paper plates (per pumpkin)
• Marker
• Scissors/ craft knife
• Orange Tissue Paper or Orange Paint
• Hole Punch and Orange String or Stapler

How to Make Paper Plate Pumpkin Jack O’ Lantern Craft

There are a couple of different ways you can make this cute paper plate pumpkin craft, don’t worry I’ll share the different ways below!

The nice thing with this craft is that many of the steps can be done in a different order and it still works out.

Cut Flat Side on Plates

First you’re going stack both plate together and cut off about 1 inch (about where the bumps around the plate stop)on one side of the plate so it’s flat.

This is so that your pumpkin will stand up once it’s put together.

Draw and Cut Out Jack O’ Lantern Face

Then you are going to draw your Jack O’ Lantern face on the back of one of the paper plates. I let my kids draw their own pumpkin faces.

After drawing the face your going to cut it out. An craft knife makes it really easy to cut out but you can do it with scissors.

Depending on the ages of your kids you may want to draw and cut out the Jack O’ Lantern face before starting this craft.

If you’re painting the Jack O’ Lantern I would paint before cutting out the face. If you’re doing tissue paper cut out the face first.

Paint or Tissue Paper

Now it’s the fun part time to make your paper plates orange.

You can pull out the orange paint and paint them or use glue and squares of tissue paper.

You are going to want to paint or glue tissue paper on the backside of the plates.

The top of the plate is going to be the inside of your pumpkin and it can just be white unless you want to make it orange too.

We have made painted paper plate pumpkins and some with tissue paper and both look so cute.

The tissue paper and glue is easy and can be less messy (or different messy) than paint.

Once your plates are orange (and dry) it’s time to put your pumpkin together.

Putting Together Your Paper Jack O’ Lantern

There are several ways you can put together your paper plate Jack O’ Lantern.

You can use a hole punch and string, staples, glue or even tape.

Threading Together Your Pumpkin

To thread together your Jack O’ Lantern you are going to put the plates together with the tops facing each other and punch holes around the plate (not the flat end).

Then using orange string (with a little bit of tape on the end to give it a point) let your kids thread through the holes to “sew” the pumpkin together. Make sure to tie a knot at both ends.

Stapling Together the Jack O’ Lantern

Stapling is the easiest way to put together your pumpkin.

Simply put right sides of the plate together (so it’s hollow inside) and staple around the plates.

Don’t staple the flat end of your pumpkin.

Other Options

You can use glue or tape to put together the pumpkins. Simply glue/tape around the edges of the plate leaving the flat side open.

Displaying Your Paper Plate Jack O’ Lantern Craft

Now for the bets part of this whole Jack O’ Lantern Craft, lighting it!

To “light” your Jack O’ Lantern you are going to turn on a battery operated tea light. Then set your paper plate pumpkin over it!

Look how fun and spooky!

This paper plate pumpkin Jack O’ Lantern really is the perfect Halloween Craft for kids.

More Fun Pumpkin Crafts

Make a 3-D Paper Bag Jack O’ Lantern Craft
Pearler Bead Pumpkins for Fall and Halloween
Don’t Eat Jack! (Free Printable Game)

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