DIY for Kids: Make Thumbprint Pumpkin Patch Halloween Cards

The change of season from summer to autumn brings fond memories for many people of harvest time and pumpkin patch trips. Your children can create these fun and simple pumpkin patch cards to invite friends and family to pumpkin picking parties or to a Halloween event.

These cards can also be adapted for use as an autumn craft in classrooms. You can make a giant classroom pumpkin patch by having each child create several thumbprint pumpkins. Be sure to have the children sign their name next to their pumpkins!

Supply List for Thumbprint Pumpkin Patch Halloween Cards
White cardstock
Orange watercolor paint
Water
Paintbrush
Black marker
Green marker
Light green marker
Yellow marker
Scissors

How to Make a Thumbprint Pumpkin Patch Halloween Card
This fun project is quick and inexpensive to make. Vary the size of your pumpkins by having multiple children make orange thumbprints. Rotate pumpkin thumbprints to create interest and depth.

1. Fold an 8.5-inch by 11-inch piece of white cardstock in half.

2. Cut the folded cardstock in half so that you get 2 cards from each piece of paper.

3. Wet the orange watercolor paint slightly. Be sure that you do not get the orange paint too wet or your thumbprint will run on the paper.

4. Dip your thumb (or help your child) into the orange watercolor paint.

5. Press your thumb firmly onto the white cardstock to make the pumpkin shape.

6. Continue to dip your thumb into the paint, and press onto the cardstock in random order to create the pumpkin patch.

7. Allow the thumbprints to dry completely.

8. Use the green marker to draw pumpkin vines, stems, and leaves.

9. Use the black marker to draw jack-o-lantern faces onto the pumpkins.

10. Use the light green marker to write a greeting on your card.

11. Use the yellow marker (or other colors) to accent your card with borders or other fun designs.
Write the party details on the inside of the card.

12. Be sure to have your child sign his or her name and date to the card. These cards make great accents to family scrapbooks!

Embellishment Ideas for Thumbprint Pumpkin Patch Halloween Cards
1. Use orange glitter paint for every third or fourth thumbprint for a special sparkle.

2. Use markers or crayons to draw a more detailed pumpkin patch scene, and then add your orange thumbprint pumpkins.

3. Ask your parents to add their thumbprints to create a special family pumpkin patch.

4. Create thumbprint pumpkin stacks by placing 2 or 3 thumbprints in a row.

5. Make a night scene by using black cardstock and bright orange paint.