How to Make a Pumpkin Suncatcher: A Simple Halloween Craft for Kids

Seasonal CraftsCraft Ideas
Written By Fabienne Holding
Orange paper pumpkin suncatcher on a window, with sunlight shining through its yellow eyes and zigzag mouth. Text reads “Pumpkin Sun Catcher: Alternative Halloween Craft for Kids”.

No porch for a pumpkin? Bring a little Halloween magic to your windows instead! This paper pumpkin suncatcher is a lovely alternative to pumpkin carving, especially for families living in flats or apartments. The daylight shines through its colourful face, with no candle needed.

You will need

  • Orange paper or thin card

  • Yellow or orange cellophane

  • A pencil and black felt-tip pen

  • Scissors

  • Glue or double-sided tape

  • Clear tape for displaying

Steps 1–3: Orange paper, coloured cellophane and scissors, followed by hands folding the paper and a drawn pumpkin face ready to cut out.

1. Prepare your paper. Fold a sheet of orange paper in half to create two layers for matching pumpkin shapes.

2. Draw your design. Draw a pumpkin with a stalk, eyes and a mouth. Choose a cheerful grin, a spooky expression or something entirely your own!

3. Cut it out. Cut through both layers around the pumpkin and carefully cut out the eyes and mouth. Younger children will need adult help with these fiddly shapes.

Step 4: Two orange paper pumpkins with cut-out eyes and mouths, and a decorated pumpkin placed on yellow cellophane ready for assembly.

4. Add some colour. Stick a piece of cellophane between the two paper pumpkins, covering the eyes and mouth. Glue the paper layers together and trim any cellophane sticking out around the edges. Add curved lines with a black pen.

5. Let it glow! Use a little clear tape to attach your pumpkin to the inside of a window and watch the light shine through.

Make a whole family of pumpkins with different expressions, or experiment with different cellophane colours. A small window can hold plenty of Halloween personality!

Finished craft: Handmade orange pumpkin suncatcher on a window against a blue, cloudy sky, with light shining through its yellow triangular eyes and zigzag smile.

Want more pumpkin inspiration?

Read about our Yayoi Kusama, inspired pumpkin spots craft here

Or download our free pumpkin template.

Fabienne Holding
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