Kids and adults can turn a mason jar into a pumpkin with a smiling face that can even glow like a jack-o-lantern. Print the easy directions and get ready to craft for Halloween.
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Looking for a fun and festive way to add a handmade touch to your fall or Halloween décor? This painted pumpkin jar craft is a perfect project for both kids and adults!
Using simple materials like Mason jars and paint, you can create charming painted pumpkin mason jars to display as fall Thanksgiving décor or spooky Mason Jar Halloween crafts.
Whether you’re looking for a creative fall mason jar craft or a cute DIY fall Halloween craft, these painted pumpkin jars will add a seasonal flair to any space.
How To Make a Painted Pumpkin Jar Craft
Follow these simple steps to create your very own painted mason jar pumpkins and PRINT THE DIRECTIONS that are available at the end of this post:
Materials Needed
Before getting started, gather these materials:
- Mason Jars (Glass jars, Plastic jars, or recycled jars)
- Orange, Green, and Black acrylic paint
- Green glitter
- Paintbrushes
- Permanent marker
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Green felt in two shades (This multi-colored felt pack set is perfect)
- Green pipe cleaners in two shades (This multi-colored pipe cleaner set works great)
Optional:
- Tea lights (for a cozy glow) This Tea Light Set is one of our favorites!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1. Paint the Jars:
Start by painting the outside of your jars with the orange paint. Paint the lids with green paint. For the best results, apply at least two coats, allowing the paint to dry between each coat. This will give your painted glass pumpkin jar a smooth and vibrant look.
Step 2. Add Sparkle:
While the second coat of green paint is still wet, sprinkle the green glitter generously over the lid. Let everything dry completely and set it aside.
Step 3. Draw Jack-o’-Lantern Faces:
Once the jars are dry, use the permanent marker to draw fun or spooky jack-o’-lantern faces on the jars. After sketching the faces, use your paintbrush to fill them in with black paint. This step will turn your jars into charming painted pumpkin cookie jars that capture the spirit of fall.
Step 4. Cut the Leaves:
Take your green felt and, using the permanent marker, draw leaf shapes. Cut these out with scissors to create leaves that will sit on top of the jars.
Step 5. Create Curly Stems:
Wrap a green pipe cleaner around the permanent marker to form curly cues, resembling pumpkin vines. These will add a whimsical touch to your painted Mason jar pumpkins.
Step 6. Assemble the Lid:
Using the hot glue gun, attach one of the felt leaves to the center of the jar’s lid. Then, glue on the curly pipe cleaner, followed by a second leaf. This creates a layered, textured effect that brings your pumpkin painted jars to life.
Step 7. Repeat the Process:
Follow these steps to make as many painted pumpkin jars as needed. They make great fall mason jar crafts for decorating your home or even as personalized gifts.
- Optional: If you want to add an extra cozy element to your Mason jar projects, place a small tea light inside each jar to illuminate your painted pumpkin creations.
Creative Variations for Your Painted Pumpkin Jars
If you’re feeling inspired, try adding your own twist to this craft! Here are a few ideas to make your painted pumpkin mason jars even more special:
1. Glitter Pumpkin Jars
Add sparkle for a festive, glamorous look by incorporating glitter into your painted pumpkin mason jars.
- How to Add Sparkle: After painting the jar, sprinkle some fine glitter onto the wet paint. For a clean finish, tap off the excess glitter once the paint dries.
These glittery pumpkin jars will shimmer beautifully in the light, making them ideal for fall parties, centerpieces, or even Mason jar projects as gifts for friends. You can also mix different glitter colors to match your autumn or Halloween theme.
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin Jars
For a spooky nighttime glow, use glow-in-the-dark paint to turn your painted mason jar pumpkins into fun, glowing decorations.
- How to Use Glow-in-the-Dark Paint: Once you’ve painted the jars orange, apply a thin layer of glow-in-the-dark paint over the entire jar or just on the jack-o’-lantern faces. Let the paint dry, and expose the jars to light so they charge up.
When the lights go out, your glow-in-the-dark pumpkin jars will emit an eerie, glowing effect that’s perfect for Halloween night. Place these on your front porch, windowsills, or even indoors to create a spooky atmosphere.
3. Jack-O’-Lantern Faces
One of the most exciting parts of making painted pumpkin jars is creating personalized jack-o’-lantern faces. Each jar can have its own unique expression, adding personality and character to your collection.
- Facial Expressions to Try: Get creative with your jack-o’-lantern designs. You can go for the traditional spooky grin, silly faces, or even experiment with other fun ideas like:
- A happy, smiling pumpkin
- A scary face with jagged teeth
- A surprised or confused expression
- An angry or mischievous look
- Custom designs like hearts for eyes or even vampire fangs!
This variation is perfect for kids who want to customize their own jar. Let them choose their favorite expression and paint it on. Each painted mason jar pumpkin will become a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects their creativity.
With these creative variations, your painted pumpkin jars will become the highlight of your Halloween and fall décor. Whether you go for glitter, glow-in-the-dark paint, or unique jack-o’-lantern faces, these ideas will make your Mason jar Halloween crafts stand out!
Displaying Your Painted Pumpkin Jars
Once you’ve crafted your painted pumpkin jars, it’s time to show them off! These fun and festive jars can be used in a variety of ways to add a touch of seasonal charm to your home. Whether you’re decorating for fall or Halloween, here are some creative display ideas to make the most of your painted mason jar pumpkins.
1. Fall Table Centerpiece
Create a stunning fall table centerpiece by arranging your painted pumpkin jars as the focal point.
- For added texture, you can surround the jars with autumn leaves, small gourds, pinecones, and even fairy lights for a warm and cozy glow. Use different jar sizes to create height variation and visual interest.
- These fall mason jars are perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, family gatherings, or everyday autumn decor. Add tea lights inside the jars to softly illuminate the jack-o’-lantern faces, giving your centerpiece a magical fall ambiance.
- You can also mix in other seasonal elements like pumpkins, rustic candles, or harvest-themed items to complement the painted glass pumpkin jars.
2. Halloween Porch Decor
Light up your front porch or entryway with your pumpkin painted jars, adding a spooky and festive touch to your Halloween decorations.
- Porch Lights or Decorations: Place your Halloween mason jars on your porch steps, railing, or next to your door. You can add LED candles or battery-operated tea lights inside each jar to turn them into glowing lanterns. These glowing jack-o’-lanterns will greet trick-or-treaters with a friendly or spooky welcome.
- Creating a Halloween Display: Combine your painted pumpkin jars with other DIY fall Halloween crafts, like hay bales, cornstalks, or scarecrows, to create a complete Halloween porch display. You can even hang them from porch hooks or arrange them along the walkway leading to your door for a fun, festive effect.
3. Halloween Treat Jar
Fill your jack o lantern mason jar with candy and treats to serve to friends or give as a gift. It’s sure to put a smile on their face!
These Mason jar painting ideas will not only enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces, but they’ll also bring the cozy charm of fall and the spooky spirit of Halloween into your home. Whether you’re creating a cozy autumn display or getting ready for trick-or-treaters, these painted pumpkin jars are sure to impress!
Final Thoughts
This painted pumpkin jar craft is a perfect way to get into the fall spirit while creating something both beautiful and practical. Whether you display them on your porch, dining table, or use them as fall deco, these Mason jar projects will bring warmth and charm to your seasonal decor. Try this DIY fall Halloween craft with your family today and enjoy the festive creativity!
Print the Directions Here:
Painted Pumpkin Jar Craft
Materials
- Mason Jars (Glass jars, Plastic jars, or recycled jars)
- Orange, Green, and Black acrylic paint
- Green glitter
- Paintbrushes
- Permanent marker
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Green felt in two shades
- Green pipe cleaners in two shades
Instructions
- Step 1. Paint the Jars:Start by painting the outside of your jars with the orange paint. Paint the lids with green paint. For the best results, apply at least two coats, allowing the paint to dry between each coat. This will give your painted glass pumpkin jar a smooth and vibrant look.
- Step 2. Add Sparkle:While the second coat of green paint is still wet, sprinkle the green glitter generously over the lid. Let everything dry completely and set it aside.
- Step 3. Draw Jack-o'-Lantern Faces:Once the jars are dry, use the permanent marker to draw fun or spooky jack-o'-lantern faces on the jars. After sketching the faces, use your paintbrush to fill them in with black paint. This step will turn your jars into charming painted pumpkin cookie jars that capture the spirit of fall.
- Step 4. Cut the Leaves:Take your green felt and, using the permanent marker, draw leaf shapes. Cut these out with scissors to create leaves that will sit on top of the jars.
- Step 5. Create Curly Stems:Wrap a green pipe cleaner around the permanent marker to form curly cues, resembling pumpkin vines. These will add a whimsical touch to your painted Mason jar pumpkins.
- Step 6. Assemble the Lid:Using the hot glue gun, attach one of the felt leaves to the center of the jar’s lid. Then, glue on the curly pipe cleaner, followed by a second leaf. This creates a layered, textured effect that brings your pumpkin painted jars to life.
- Step 7. Repeat the Process:Follow these steps to make as many painted pumpkin jars as needed. They make great fall mason jar crafts for decorating your home or even as personalized gifts.
Notes
More Ideas to Make Halloween Perfect!
- Witches Brew Kids Activity + Printables
- The BEST Halloween Activities for Kids
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt (Free Printable Activity)