Easy Mason Jar Jack-O’-Lantern Craft for Kids

Turn an ordinary mason jar into a glowing jack-o’-lantern with paint and a pumpkin face!

Create a spellbinding Halloween luminary in just a few simple steps with this mason jar jack-o’-lantern craft for kids. With orange paint, black paper, and a battery-operated tea light, children can transform a simple jar into a glowing pumpkin decoration to illuminate a table, windowsill, or mantel.

As kids work, they can express their creativity designing unique faces for their jack-o’-lantern and build fine motor skills cutting and painting.

Looking for even more Halloween fun? Be sure to explore our collection of Halloween Activities for Kids, including hundreds of crafts, coloring pages, games, printables, and more.

Adult supervision is recommended when working with glass jars and scissors. Always use a battery-operated tea light rather than a real candle.

What You’ll Need for Your Mason Jar Jack-O’-Lantern

• Clean, empty mason jar
• Orange craft paint
• Paintbrush or foam brush
• Black construction paper
• Pencil
• Child-safe scissors
• Craft glue
• Battery-operated tea light

Instructions for Making a Mason Jar Jack-O’-Lantern

Step 1: Paint the Mason Jar

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Use a paintbrush or foam brush to cover the outside of the mason jar with orange paint. Apply a thin layer so light can still shine through the jar. If you need to thin your paint out, add a bit of water to it.

Set the jar aside until the paint is completely dry. Add another thin coat if needed.

Step 2: Create the Jack-O’-Lantern Face

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Draw eyes, a nose, and a mouth on black construction paper. Carefully cut out each piece and arrange them on the front of the painted jar.

Kids can make their pumpkin look happy, surprised, silly, or spooky!

Step 3: Attach the Pumpkin Face

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Use craft glue to attach the eyes, nose, and mouth to the outside of the jar. Allow the glue to dry completely.

Tip: : Make several jars with different facial expressions to create a whole family of glowing jack-o’-lanterns.

Step 4: Make Your Jack-O’-Lantern Glow

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Place a battery-operated tea light inside the mason jar and switch it on. Dim the lights to see your jack-o’-lantern glow!

Questions to Ask Your Child During the Activity:

• What expression does your jack-o’-lantern have?
• What shapes did you use to make its face?
• How does the jar look different when the tea light is turned on?
• Can you design another jack-o’-lantern with a different face?
• What name would you give your glowing pumpkin?

These questions encourage children to practice shape recognition, descriptive language, creativity, and conversation while crafting.

More Halloween Fun from ABCmouse

If your child enjoyed making this mason jar jack-o’-lantern, keep the Halloween fun going with even more seasonal crafts, printable activities, coloring pages, and games from ABCmouse!

Try More Fun Halloween Games and Activities

Keep kids entertained this Halloween with spooky crafts, snacks, and free printables! Make balloon bats, yarn pumpkins, and tasty treats, or play Halloween bingo. Download coloring pages, word lists, and more for extra festive fun.

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