Create the cutest pumpkin planter that sits on its own popsicle stick platform!
This delightful craft combines a paper cup transformed into a sweet pumpkin character with googly eyes, curly vines, and a charming ribbon bow.
Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Planter Materials
Gather these supplies to create your adorable pumpkin planter:
- Small paper cup
- 17 popsicle sticks (16 for platform + 1 for stem)
- Orange & brown paint and paintbrush
- Hot glue gun or liquid glue
- Construction paper in green and pink
- Green pipe cleaners
- White grosgrain ribbon
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
- Scissors
How to Make Your Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Planter
This craft is perfect for school-aged children with adult supervision needed for the hot glue gun and painting steps.
Step 1: Paint Your Materials
- If using regular popsicle sticks, paint 16 sticks orange for the platform and let them dry completely.
- Paint your paper cup orange as well.
- Paint 1 additional popsicle stick brown for the stem.
- Let them dry completely.
Step 2: Create the Popsicle Stick Platform
- Using a hot glue gun or liquid glue, build your platform in log cabin style with exactly 4 layers of 4 sticks each. We decided to use a bigger blob of glue than usual to help create dimension between the layers.
- Continue this alternating pattern for 4 complete layers, creating a stable square platform.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
- Place your painted orange paper cup on top of the completed popsicle stick platform.
Step 4: Add the Pumpkin Stem
- Insert the brown popsicle stick into the center of the paper cup to serve as the pumpkin's stem.
- Push it down into the cup so it stands upright and secure. You can use a bit of hot glue in the back to secure it if you need to.
Step 5: Create the Leaves and Vines
- Cut leaf shapes from green construction paper and draw vein lines with a black marker.
- For the curly vines, wrap green pipe cleaners around a pencil or your finger to create spiral shapes, then gently stretch them out for a natural vine look.
Step 6: Attach the Greenery
- Glue the paper leaves to the back of the brown stem, positioning them to look like they're growing from the top of the pumpkin.
- Add the curly pipe cleaner vines around the leaves and stem area for that authentic pumpkin patch appearance.
Step 7: Add Facial Features
- Cut small circles from pink paper for rosy cheeks.
- Tie a white grosgrain ribbon into a pretty bow and glue it to one side of your pumpkin planter.
- Glue on the googly eyes and rosy cheeks.
Step 8: Finish with a Smile
- Use the black marker to draw a sweet smile on your pumpkin's face.
- My daughter also added some eyelashes to the googly eyes.
Bonus Mini Styrofoam Pumpkin Variation
Whilst I was creating this one my daughter who is 9 created a smaller baby pumpkin using the exact same steps above.
She decided to pop it into a paper cup that we painted brown. It looked like a mummy and baby pumpkin family to us.
Simply paint a small styrofoam ball orange, place it in a small paper cup that is painted brown.
Add the same sweet face, leaves, and vines following the steps above. This makes a perfect companion to your main pumpkin planter.
Final Thoughts on Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Craft for Kids
This popsicle stick pumpkin planter craft combines multiple techniques – painting, building, and decorating – to create something both beautiful and functional.
The handmade popsicle stick platform makes it extra special and gives kids a real sense of accomplishment.
Ready for more pumpkin crafting fun? Check out these autumn favorites:
- 15 Sweet Pumpkin Pie Crafts for Kids
- 25 Fall Harvest Pumpkin Crafts for Kids
- 22 Easy Turkey Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
Explore our blog for even more fall crafts that will keep kids busy and inspired all season long!
