{Pumpkin Suncatcher Jack-O-Lantern Play}

*It's HALLOWEEN WEEK here at Mama Pea Pod - be sure to check back every day this week for more Halloween fun!

These jack-o-lantern suncatchers are so easy to make that our 19 month old made this one, and it even has moveable parts so that the face can be re-made as many times as she likes!

First I drew a pumpkin shape outline onto black craft foam...

.... and cut it out.

Then I cut a piece of contact paper (the sticky-backed, clear plastic stuff you put on book covers) and taped it sticky side up onto the table to hold it in place.

(I can't remember where I first got the idea of using contact paper from, but there are some lovely contact paper craft ideas here, and here. You could also do a laminated version instead.)

Then Sweet Pea and I tore up some orange crepe paper into small pieces (she loved helping with this!). Tissue paper works too, but crepe paper is thicker so makes a more vibrant orange colour.

Then Sweet Pea covered the whole contact sheet with pieces of the orange crepe paper. I had to fill in a few holes at the end, but otherwise she did it by herself. The pieces of paper overlap slightly, which gives the pumpkin a textured appearance. Then I put another piece of contact paper on the top (sticky side down).

Next I used double sided tape around the foam pumpkin to attach the contact paper 'sandwich' and trimmed the edges.

 I just taped it onto the window, and the sun shines through the crepe paper, making it 'glow' orange!

It makes a great Halloween or Thanksgiving decoration as is, or you can take it one step further...

Finally, I cut out a few foam shapes and let her use water to stick them on to the contact paper (as we did with our foam window clings). They can easily be removed and reattached with just water!

Endless jack-o-lantern play!

Linking to: Little Wonders' Days, ABC & 123, Made by Little Hands, Sunday Showcase, Toddler Approved, It's Playtime, Play Academy, No Time For Flashcards, Halloween Traditions, Crayons and Critters, Moms Town