This jack o lantern paper plate craft is a delightful way to brighten your Halloween fun with kids.
With a few common craft supplies and these simple instructions, this DIY project transforms into a super cool 3D Halloween decoration. My boys and I have had so much fun making these light up jack-o-lantern crafts that can be used in windows, as centerpieces, and more.
I’m sharing my ideas and tips for making and using these paper plate crafts with jack-o’-lantern themes. You’ll love how this creative Halloween craft turns out!
Related: This ghost handprint craft is another fun and frugal activity for a DIY Halloween project with kids.
Light Up Your Halloween Fun with Kids
Are you searching for a creative activity for kids to enjoy this Halloween? Maybe you’d like a craft that actually looks cool and your children get excited about? Perhaps you need a frugal way to make Halloween crafts that aren’t too spooky?
Well, this jack o lantern paper plate craft is just the ticket for all of those things and more!
My boys LOVE to help me decorate for any holiday. They have always gotten a big kick out of taking out and going the boxes and bins. We put on music and do a bit of cleaning to get our home ready for a holiday transformation.
In all of those holiday storage boxes, there are many homemade crafts that my five boys have made over the years. These special keepsakes are family favorites. We chat about our experiences making the crafts (like when a glitter shaker top fell off when working on our spider paper plate craft and glitter went everywhere!) and where we should place them.
When I found this jack o lantern paper plate craft that my now college boy made when he was young, I knew that I had to update it and share with you. The final project is fantastic because it lights up!
Recommended Materials for This Halloween Craft
There are a few craft supplies that you’ll need to successfully make this jack-o’-lantern craft with kids. If you’re working on this activity with younger kids, you may want to cut out the jack o lantern face pieces prior to starting.
- paper plates
- orange paint
- brown construction paper
- scissors
- paintbrush (or sponge brush)
- black marker (I recommend a permanent marker like Sharpies)
- white glue or glue sticks
- flameless tealight
- optional: stapler
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How to Make This Jack O Lantern Paper Plate Craft
01
Prepare pumpkin
Placing the two plates together, rim to rim, cut off a section about an inch thick in a straight line.
Paint the backs of both plates orange. Allow time to fully dry.
02
Add face
Draw a jack-o-lantern face on one plate.
Cut out the face shapes.
03
Add stem
Cut a small rectangle from the brown paper for the stem.
Glue stem onto paper plate.
04
Glue together plates
Glue the two plates together with the orange sides out. Be sure to leave the flat bottom section open. Allow time to fully dry.
Option: Use stapler to keep paper plates together.
04
Add light
Set the plates up standing on the flat edge.
Add a flameless tealight in between the plates.
More Cute Ways to Enjoy Jack-O’-Lanterns
Easily extend your fun with light up pumpkins! These books, games, and cute accessories are awesome additions to your Halloween celebration:
JackThe Story of the Jack O’LanternPumpkin JackJ is for Jack-O’-Lantern: A Halloween Alphabet (Holiday)Too Many PumpkinsRunleo Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Stickers Kit, Make 48 Different Faces Jack O Lantern Decorations DIY Craft Pumpkin Stickers Kids Gifts Toddler Activities Treats Game Party Favors40 Sheets Halloween Party Games Stickers for Kids Make Your Own Jack-O-Lantern Stickers, Kids Halloween Activities Stickers Pumpkin Face Stickers for Kids Halloween Party FavorsJumbo Jack-O’-Lantern Mad Libs: 4 Mad Libs in 1!: World’s Greatest Word Game
Ideas for Making and Using Your Light Up Crafts
With just a few extra supplies, you can easily customize these paper plate crafts. I suggest you at least put your child’s name and date (month and year works well) on the jack-o’-lantern so you’ll have it to reference in later years.
Add colorful touches to your projects by using coloring tools (like markers or crayons) or glitter glue. Stickers and washi tape are other simple and frugal ways to personalize.
You can make smaller versions of these light up crafts by using smaller paper plates. This idea is incredible for using your completed projects for place settings (add a name), cute variations, or your very own jack-o’-lantern patch!
Not sure what to do with your jack o lantern paper plate craft when it’s done? Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
- on a window sill
- at your front door
- as a table centerpiece
- on your fireplace mantel
- by a candy (or trick-or-treat) bowl
Create Your Own Light Up Jack-O’-Lantern!
I hope you and your kids have a great experience making these jack-o’-lantern crafts!
What ideas do you have for making and enjoying these crafts? I’d love to hear about your experiences and how you’ll use – please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post 🎃
