We had a bunch of paper bags leftover from A and B’s 3rd birthday party in July. We printed on some of them and used them as goody bags. So I have been trying to think up some Halloween Crafts to use up our extra paper bags. I have been on a pumpkin kick as of late, so I thought why not paper bag pumpkins? I did this activity with 3 year olds and an 18 month old and they were all able to put their own unique spin on things.
Paper Bag Pumpkins
You will need:
- Lunch bag sized brown paper bags (though now that I think about it, larger bags would make bigger pumpkins)
- Orange paint and paint brush
- Something to make the face with. We used sticky foam shapes. You could use paint, makers or any number of supplies for your faces.
- Tissue paper or bunched up magazines
- Green ribbon
Start out by having your kids paint the entire bag (except the bottom) orange. Sounds easy right? Wrong. I didn’t really have a great plan for painting the paper bag. I mean the beginning seemed to go smoothly. See for yourself. Look at “A” painting her bag.
So everything was going just peachy and then the girls finished painting the first side of the paper bag. No problem! I will just open up the bag and they can paint the other side. This worked well until A and B no longer wanted to hold the bags since their fingers were getting dirty. So guess who had to hold the bags for 2 girls while they SLOWLY painted? Me. I was lucky that C lost interest in the activity after painting just one side or I would have had to hold her bag too.
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Megan @ The Crafty Conundrum says
Cute! I love that it is so simple -it would be great for my kiddos who are still too young for lots of crafts.
Tutus & Tea Parties says
These are adorable! I'd love for you to share and link up::
http://tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com/2011/10/pinteresting-linky-party-week-nine.html
Paula Parrish says
Hello Vicky,
Ah, these pumpkin’s are super cute and look like fun to make even with the mess. I love getting my hands covered in paint.
Smiles, Paula
Katy says
oh my daughter would love this. I am not good in the crafty department! why can't you have a clothesline in the kitchen? seems like a good idea to me. 🙂
Slyde says
very nice! i did a paper bag craft of my own last night, cutting up a brown paper bag and making a book cover for my sons math textbook.
i was quite proud of myself 🙂
Wunkie's Mommy says
hahaha <3 LOVE it! Your girls are so cute! Thank you for your sweet comments on my baby blog! I am following you back lady! 🙂
-Evelin
Vicky says
@ Megan, yes even the 20 month old enjoyed it.
@ Tutus and Tea Parties, Thanks, I have linked up!
@ Paula, you should have been over here the day we did this. There was orange paint everywhere!
@ Katy, something about people walking by and getting choked. 😉
@ Slyde, loving the old school bookcovers!
@ Evelin, So happy you could stop by. Thanks for the nice words.
Kimberly from "bugaboo" says
I love them! When I was little I made big versions out of grocery store bags with my mom and we put them on the porch. 🙂
I'd love for you to link up to my pumpkin party:
"Pumpkinspiration Party!
Jen says
What a fantastic idea! My kids will l-o-v-e this for sure! We might even give it a go for breakfast tomorrow morning, since my oldest has the day off from school and we try to make those days extra special. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, I'm following you back!
Shirley says
Hey! Thanks for stopping by my Chic Pumpkin post! I love your blog and am your new follower! I'm going to be pinning some stuff too. Thanks! 🙂
stephanie a. says
I'm glad we have some days left before Halloween so that we have time to do this crafty project : ) Thanks!
Little Wonders' Days says
What a fun project! They look so cute lined up on the counter. So glad you linked up to the AfterSchool party!
Raising a Happy Child says
I am visiting from Afterschool, and your post made me laugh more than once. At least the results were worth it. And, no, I can't possibly guess which pumpkin is yours 🙂
Danielle says
ok I am hooked now! I love all your cute ideas. So fun! Your are now one of my favs for fun activities with kids.
I am a new follower:>
Little Wonders' Days says
I'm featuring this craft at the AfterSchool Party tomorrow. I hope it's alright that I use your last photo with a link back to you. They really turned out cute!