Looking for a fun, budget-friendly Halloween craft to make with the kids? These Craft Stick Jack-o-Lanterns are simple, colorful, and full of personality.
With just a few basic supplies, children can create their own pumpkin faces whether they want them to be silly, spooky, or sweet. This is a perfect afternoon activity for families, classrooms, or church groups, and it doubles as seasonal décor you can hang on the fridge or prop on a shelf.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
- Kid-friendly and safe – only basic supplies needed. You might even have some of these already on hand.
- Budget-conscious – craft sticks, pipe cleaners, and cardstock are inexpensive and easy to find. Check your local dollar store for reasonably priced options.
- Customizable – kids can design faces that are funny, scary, or even inspired by their favorite characters.
- Quick project – ready in about 30 minutes.
Get more adorable craft ideas like this along with delicious easy meals and fun holiday celebrations by subscribing to our newsletter. We often send out free printables in these as well, just for our email subscribers.
Craft Stick Jack-o-Lanterns Halloween Craft Project
Supplies for a Craft Stick Pumpkin Halloween Craft
- Craft sticks (colored or plain)
- Green pipe cleaners
- Cardstock paper
- Black marker
- Glue
- Scissors
Optional: Orange and brown paint (if using plain sticks). Paintbrushes.
How to Make a Craft Stick Jack-o-Lantern Step by Step
Form the pumpkin base – Line up 6–7 craft sticks. Cut a small rectangle of cardstock to act as the backing. Glue the sticks side by side onto the cardstock.
Make the stem – Break a craft stick in half. This will be the stem of your pumpkin.
Add the vines – Wrap a green pipe cleaner around the stem piece. Twist and curl the ends to look like pumpkin vines. Trim if needed.
Attach the stem – Glue the stem and vines to the back of the pumpkin.
Create the face – Use a black marker to draw a jack-o-lantern face. Silly or spooky—it’s up to you!
Tips & Tricks
- Magnet option: Glue a magnet on the back to turn it into a festive fridge decoration.
- Sketch first: Lightly draw the face with a pencil before committing with marker.
- Paint upgrade: Paint plain craft sticks orange and brown if you don’t have colored sticks handy.
Variations
- Glittery pumpkins – add a touch of sparkle with glitter glue or sequins.
- Mini pumpkins – use popsicle sticks cut down to size for smaller pumpkins.
- Place cards – write each person’s name on the pumpkin for a personalized place setting at a Halloween party.
Want to turn this into an educational activity? Check out these Weird but True Halloween Facts from Nat Geo Kids.
Frequently Asked Questions about Craft Stick Jack-o-Lanterns
What age is this craft best for?
This project works well for kids ages 4 and up, with younger children needing a little help cutting and gluing.
Can I use hot glue instead of school glue?
Yes! Hot glue will dry faster and make the pumpkin sturdier, but if kids are helping, you might want to stick with school glue for safety.
Do I have to use colored craft sticks?
No. You can use plain craft sticks and paint them orange (and brown for the stem) before starting. It just adds an extra fun step.
How can I display these jack-o-lanterns?
Add a magnet to the back to hang on the fridge, glue on a ribbon loop to make them ornaments, or simply stand them up on a shelf or mantel.
These Craft Stick Jack-o-Lanterns are a fun way to celebrate Halloween with kids of all ages. They make fun keepsakes and decorations, and best of all, they’re quick and easy to pull together.
Want more kid-friendly Halloween crafts? Check out these projects:
- Hazel the Hallowe’en Witch Apple Head Doll
- Cheesecloth Ghost
- Hocus Pocus Craft Stick Tombstones
- Origami Pumpkin Basket
- Egg Carton Bat
- Foam Clay Ghost
- Halloween Treat Bags
- Hocus Pocus Book of Spells
- Paper Halloween Bookmarks
- Clay Halloween Charms
- Glitter Candy Corn Pin
- Hocus Pocus Black Flame Candle
Love this idea? Pin it now and save it for your next Halloween craft day!
Leave a Reply