Mason Jar Pumpkins: Two easy Halloween crafts for kids and adults

Christina

Last Updated on October 4, 2023 by Christina

Autumn is a great time to take your RV out on the road and enjoy the outdoors in cooler weather. Of course, the changing weather can sometimes put a damper on your plans so it’s a good idea to have some rainy day activities packed for your fall trips. Mason Jar Pumpkins are a simple craft that everyone can enjoy together when it’s too cold, windy, or rainy to enjoy outdoor fall activities. Plus, this family-friendly craft can add a bit of whimsical décor to your RV. All you need are a few common supplies and our easy step-by-step directions.

Note: You can use any size, shape or type of glass jar, like recycled pasta sauce jars, baby food jars or pickle jars for the Mason Jar Pumpkins. In fact, jars of different sizes and shapes can be grouped together for your own unique pumpkin patch collection. However, if you choose mason jars, you can use the ringed lids in our bonus pumpkin craft that follows these Mason Jar Pumpkins. It’s two crafts in one!

Mason Jar Pumpkins Craft Supply List

Various shades of orange and yellow tissue paper, scissors, glue, black cardstock, two jars and two small sponge brushes are arranged on a wooden background.
  • Jars
  • Orange and yellow tissue paper (For added dimension, use various hues ranging from light cantaloupe and bright lemon to rich tangerines and golds. Deeper colors such as honey, spice and mustard also work great)
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Black paper, such as construction paper or cardstock
  • Foam craft brush
  • Tea light candles or battery-powered candles

How to make your own Mason Jar Pumpkins

Mason jar pumpkins sit on the ground in front of real pumpkins and squash for a Halloween-themed scene.

Step 1: Get the jars ready

If you’re using recycled jars, make sure they are all cleaned, rinsed and completely dry.

Step 2: Cut the tissue paper into shapes

Squares cover the entire jar without gaps best, but if you want to mix up your look circles, triangles, or other shapes work well, too. Because you want the different-colored shapes to overlap, we recommend making them no larger than 2-by-2 inches.

Time-saving tip: You can buy pre-cut tissue paper squares and circles in craft stores.

A woman cuts up yellow and orange tissue paper using scissors.

Step 3: Apply the glue

For complete coverage, forget about dabbing each tissue paper square with dot of glue. Instead, squeeze the glue onto a paper plate. Using the foam brush, apply a thin layer of glue to the entire jar, stopping where the lid screws on. Remember to work quickly before the glue dries. If needed, work in smaller sections.

A woman spreads glue on a mason jar with a sponge brush.

Step 4: Apply the tissue paper

Adhere each tissue paper cut-out, one at a time, to the glue-coated jar. Smooth the pieces down with the foam brush, otherwise your hands will get very sticky and it will be difficult to apply the rest of the shapes. We learned this the hard way! Be sure to alternate the colors, making sure they overlap slightly, to create a random kaleidoscope of yellow and orange hues.

A woman applies tissue paper squares to the glue covered mason jar.

Step 5: Spread more glue

Smear another thin layer of glue on the jar, making sure to smooth out any creases or bubbles as you work with the foam brush. Let dry completely.

Step 6: Give your mason jar pumpkin some personality with a face

Cut out eyes and mouth shapes for your mason jar pumpkins. This is where you can let your imagination can go wild and show off your creative side.

Sure, traditional triangle eyes and toothy grins are great, but add facial expressions to give your pumpkin jars some serious personality. Circle mouths can indicate surprise while lightning bolt eyebrows denote strength. Include special touches like curly moustaches and classic spectacles.

Crafty Tip: You can even dress up your Mason Jar Pumpkins to resemble your favorite animated characters like Mike from Monsters Inc., Minions from Despicable Me or Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

A pumpkin face is cut out of black cardstock paper with scissors.

Step 7: Add the finishing touches

Once your mason jar pumpkin is completely dry, pop in the tea light and admire your work! If you prefer, use a flameless candle powered by a battery. You could also add a pleasant glow to your campsite or create a nightlight by stuffing the jars with twinkle lights instead of tea lights.

Alternatively, you can add some flair to your Mason Jar Pumpkins by sprinkling the outside with glitter or filling them with “pumpkin seed” confetti.

Perfect your pumpkin patch & decorate

Place your creations throughout your RV, use them to dress up the outdoor dinner table. Or fill them with treats and share them with your neighbors at the campground.  Everyone will admire your campsite that screams “Never Fear – Autumn is Here!”

Bring out your pumpkin Picasso with this bonus craft: Mason Jar Lid Pumpkins!

A pumpkin made of mason jar lids strung together sits on a porch next to real pumpkins and squash.

As you clean up after making your Mason Jar Pumpkins, you may be wondering about what to do with the lid rings. We have the perfect answer: Repurpose them into more pleasantly plump pumpkins!

Mason Jar Lid Pumpkins are quick to whip up and packed with seasonal flair. The best part is if you’ve had your fill of the orange and black color combination, you can choose any hue you want for your pumpkins. Fashion pumpkins that match your RV’s décor or pull together an elegant display of cream-colored pumpkins accented by the colors of autumn: Rust, gold, orange and yellow. You can even make a striped or rainbow pumpkin.

If you can paint, you can create this fun craft!

Mason Jar Lid Pumpkins Supply List

A can of orange spray paint, scissors, green felt, wire, two cinnamon sticks and mason jar lid rings are arranged on a wooden background.
  • Mason jar lid rings, approximately 20 per pumpkin
  • Glossy spray paint in your choice of colors
  • Green felt scraps
  • Two cinnamon sticks
  • Wire ribbon or floral wire

Here’s how to make your own pumpkin from mason jar lids

Step 1: Time to paint

Gather up your painting supplies, cover the table and spray paint all the lid rings. Stay clear of the campfire or any open flame if you’re at a campsite.

Tip: Do this a day or so in advance so the paint completely dries before you continue to the next step.

A woman spray paints mason jar lids with orange spray paint.

Step 2: Assemble your pumpkin

String the painted lid rings on the ribbon or floral wire. Finish with a tight knot and cut off excess ribbon. Spread out the rings to form a classic pumpkin shape.

Mason jar lids are strung together using wire.

Step 3: It’s all about the details

Insert the cinnamon stick in the top of the pumpkin to resemble a stem. You can also use small sticks to keep the look more rustic.

Cut leaf shapes from the green felt. Using a hot glue gun, attach to the top of the pumpkin.

A pumpkin made out of mason jar lids painted orange and strung together with wire.

Just like with Mason Jar Pumpkins, you can embellish your Mason Jar Lid Pumpkins with sparkly craft accessories like sequins, pom poms, glitter or plastic gems. Add a string of battery-powered lights if you wish.

This craft is a fantastic way to use up miscellaneous lid rings that have lost their mates. After all, you can never have too many pumpkins on display in autumn, right?

Happy crafting!

Everyone will love carving out some memories and tapping into their creative side to make these Mason Jar Pumpkins! Try it for yourself and share your creations on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. For more fun craft ideas, be sure to sign up for our blog post notifications and follow us on Pinterest.