Jack O'Lantern Treat Bags

If you child likes to paint, paint, paint, paint...then this simple treat sack is for you! You'll be surprised how quickly they can whip up a whole batch of these. They're perfect for neighbors, friends, or anyone else you want to give some sweets to this Halloween and so much cuter than the little plastic baggies you can buy. It's especially good for the littlest ones. The kids can have a great experienced based art experience and it's still easy to turn it into something that looks recognizable to the rest of us!Materials: sponge, orange paint, brown paper lunch sacks, pre-cut jack o'lantern face pieces, hole punch, ribbon, and of course...your treats:) A clothespin is optional but helps keep fingers a little less covered in paint.

I gave ER one of my old cosmetic sponges, that I clipped to clothespin to give her some thing to hold onto. Then let her have at it, with a stack of bags. She happily sponge painted a whole bunch and it kept her busy for a really long time. Mommy supervised from the kitchen table, AND actually got to eat her lunch uninterrupted...yay!After the bags dry, glue on pre-cut eyes, noses, and a mouth. Fold top of bag down. Punch two holes near the top. Add your treats. Tie closed with green ribbon. Easy peasy!

Literature Connection:

When I was still teaching kindergarten, I liked to do this craft after reading the book Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White. It's about Rebecca Estelle, who loved to plant a bit of everything...expect pumpkins. She hated pumpkins! But then one year, despite all her efforts to avoid growing them, they end up taking over her garden.

To get rid of them, she bakes up batches and batches of pumpkin goodies. That night she carves and carves the pumpkins, to bring people out to the farm for her impromptu party. Everyone has a great time.

After everyone in the class makes a treat bag, they all looked so cute sitting up on the window ledge, kind of like the picture of Rebecca Estelle's pumpkin patch of jack-o'-lanterns near the end of the book. Even a smalller sized patch, like the grouping of three we made after reading the book is still fun to see.

Other Quick Jack O'Lantern Crafts for Kids: One reason I love Jack O'Lanterns is because it's so easy make different variations, here are some others we've made.

Paper Plate Jack O'Lantern: ER made this cute little mini plate version in preschool. Paint plate orange and glue on pre-cut face and stem pieces.Jack O'Lantern Jar Votive Holder: Wash an empty glass jar and peel of all traces of label. Paint jar with Mod Podge, layer on small squares of orange tissue paper until the entire surface of the jar is covered. Glue on pre-cut face pieces. Coat entire jar with another layer of Mod Podge to seal it. Let dry. Have an adult put a votive inside and light or use a small battery operated votive inside.Terra Cotta Pot Jack O'Lantern: Paint each pot orange, mod podge on the face, and then seal everything with another thin layer of mod podge. Roll up a bit of brown paper to make the stem, pushed it into the drainage hole in the pot and then attached a paper leaf to it. Thanks to my friend Margaret for planning this fun version! and of course, our most recent one...Jack O'Lantern Sun Catcher

What have you turned into a Jack O'Lantern? I'd love to hear about your crafts! Leave me a comment and a link to your post if you've got one so I can check it out. I've got to start gathering ideas for NEXT year:)



Shared At: Get Your Craft on at Today's Creative Blog