Easy Pumpkin Suncatchers

These easy pumpkin suncatchers are a great craft project for preschool and elementary school kids. Create all types of seasonal and holiday shapes using different colors.

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Pumpkins seem to be one of the most common symbols of fall. So why not lean into that and make this easy pumpkin suncatcher with your kids? I’ve been making suncatchers using this method for a few years now and it’s always a winner. Even my 2 year old loves this activity!

Materials Needed for Pumpkin Suncatchers

• Tissue paper
• Clear Contact Paper
• Paper trimmer
• Scissors
• Masking tape
• Sharpie
• Pumpkin outline
• Card stock (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Contact Paper Suncatchers

First, you need to cut your tissue paper into squares. Occasionally I am able to find pre-cut tissue paper squares at Hobby Lobby. But if you can’t, all you need is some sheets of tissue paper and a paper trimmer. Decide how big you want your squares to be and start cutting the tissue paper into strips. I would recommend about 1 1/2″. Once I had my strips of tissue paper, I used my scissors to cut them into squares.

*PRO TIP* Keep the tissue paper folded when you cut it so you have 2-4 layers. This will make cutting it easier and less likely to tear.

Next, cut a pumpkin shape out of paper or cardboard. (I found a simple outline of a pumpkin online and printed it out.) Unless you want smaller pumpkins, I recommend having a larger design, at least 6″ x 8″. This is also easier for little hands to cut out.

Now you’ll need to cut your contact paper. (I found some in the organization aisle at Walmart.) Make sure it is the clear kind. The size of your pumpkin will determine how big you need to cut your contact paper. I suggest cutting them at least 1-2″ bigger than your pumpkin shape. Peel the backing off one piece and lay it down sticky side up. Use masking tape to secure it to your surface so it doesn’t move around.

Give your child the squares of tissue paper and let them start sticking them to the contact paper. They can layer them as well. Keep in mind that they don’t need to cover all of the contact paper because the pumpkin is only going to cover a certain amount of area.

Once most of the contact paper is covered, peel the backing off the second sheet of contact paper and lay it sticky side down on top of the tissue paper, pressing it down flat.

*PRO TIP* Start on one side of the contact paper and work your way across, pressing the top sheet down as you go. You’re more likely to end up with creases or bubbles if you start in the middle.

Once you have the two pieces stuck together, grab your Sharpie and pumpkin outline and trace it onto the contact paper. Depending on the age of your child, they may be able to do this part by themselves.

Then cut out of the pumpkin and hang it on the window or glass door and let the sun shine through it. You can also hang it on the wall of course, but ideally you’d put it somewhere the light can catch it so it acts as a cute pumpkin suncatcher.

*OPTIONAL* You can add a stem to the pumpkin using some brown card stock. You can even cut a long, narrow piece of paper and curl it to get some of the vine look. Use clear tape to adhere it to the pumpkin.

And that’s it! This easy pumpkin suncatcher activity would also be fun at preschool, in the classroom, at a Halloween party or even to take babysitting.

If you want more pumpkin craft inspiration, check out the posts from my friends! You can click on the link below the post to be taken directly to their post.

Create the most adorable DIY Fall Wreath with Pom Pom Pumpkins by following the tutorial on Laura’s blog Me and My INKlings.

Learn How to Draw a Pumpkin with step-by-step instructions from the talented Smitha of Smiling Colors. Download her free printable guide.

Laura with Laura’s Crafty Life has created a Mini Pumpkin Wreath with easy to find supplies from Dollar Tree. Just gorgeous!

Create Pumpkin Contact Paper Suncatchers with a quick tutorial from Shani at Sunshine and Munchkins. A fun and easy fall craft for even the littlest crafters.

So creative and unique, learn how to Make an Easy Mod Podge Map Pumpkin for travel enthusiasts. Justine from Little Dove Blog shows you all the steps.

Erica from 5 Little Monsters is sharing her Alpine Stitch Crocheted Pumpkin, complete with a full set of patterned instructions, so you can create your own!

Learn how to make DIY Wooden Pumpkin Blocks with a step-by-step tutorial from Kelsey at Poofy Cheeks and learn what she used to stencil these beauties.

Katie, the Crafty Blog Stalker is sharing a gorgeous Hand Painted Pumpkin, and we love her color palette of white and gold.

Simple strips of colored paper have never looked so good then when Chelly from We Can Make That shows us How to Make Paper Pumpkins.

Jewels and buttons transform into the most elegant Bejeweled Pumpkin Art created by the talented Jane of DIY by Jane. Simply stunning!

Beth with Creatively Beth can transform any found object into a pumpkin with some paint. We think that her Recycled Mini Bundt Pan Pumpkins are adorable.

Inspired by her favorite characters, Lindsay of Artsy Fartsy Mama has created No-Sew Fabric Pumpkins. Click through for the full tutorial.

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Looking for more pumpkin crafts? You’re sure to “fall” for these projects!

• Embroidery Hoop Pumpkins
• Easy Yarn Pumpkins (from a pool noodle)