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A popsicle stick pumpkin keepsake is one of my favorite fall crafts to make with kids because it’s fast, inexpensive, and turns into a keepsake families actually hold onto for years. It only takes a handful of craft sticks, paint, and glue to create a sweet handmade photo gift for grandparents, teachers, or a child’s own bedroom wall.
Love this idea? You’ll also enjoy making Popsicle Stick Apple and Popsicle Stick Frankenstein crafts.
Why You’ll Love This Craft
This popsicle stick pumpkin keepsake is a favorite fall craft for so many reasons:
- Great for a variety of ages – Simple enough for preschoolers with help, yet fun and engaging for older children too.
- Easy to make – Kids only need a few basic craft supplies, and the project comes together in one sitting.
- Budget-friendly – Craft sticks, paint, and glue are inexpensive materials that many homes and classrooms already have on hand.
- A meaningful keepsake – Add a favorite photo to create a handmade gift that parents, grandparents, and teachers will treasure.
- Perfect for groups – Prep the pumpkin bases ahead of time to make this an easy craft for classrooms, library programs, scouts, and homeschool co-ops.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple supplies before you start. Most can be found at a craft store or are already in your craft bin.
Older kids can assemble this popsicle stick pumpkin independently (my son started using a low-temperature hot glue gun in kindergarten), but if you’re working with a large group, I recommend prepping the wooden pumpkin bases ahead of time so kids can jump straight to painting and decorating.
How to Make a Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Keepsake
Follow these simple steps to make your own popsicle stick pumpkin keepsake.
STEP 1: Print and cut the template. After gathering your supplies, download and print the free template from the supplies list. Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut out the rectangles.
STEP 2: Build the pumpkin base. Lay 6 jumbo craft sticks side by side. Glue 1 jumbo craft stick across the back to hold them together. Let the glue dry completely.
STEP 3: Paint the pumpkin and stem. Flip the pumpkin over and paint the front orange. Paint the remaining jumbo craft stick green. Let the paint dry completely.
STEP 4: Add the stem. Cut the green craft stick in half with scissors. Glue one half to the back of the pumpkin to create the stem.
STEP 5: Add the pumpkin vines. Cut one pipe cleaner in half, then wrap each piece around a pencil to create curly vines. Glue the vines to the back of the pumpkin keepsake.
STEP 6: Add the photo and message. Glue or tape the photograph and the “My Little Pumpkin” template pieces onto the front of the pumpkin keepsake.
Take It Further
Take this pumpkin popsicle stick frame one step further with these fun and meaningful ideas.
- Start a family tradition – Make a new pumpkin keepsake each fall and write the date on the back. It’s a wonderful way to watch your child grow from year to year.
- Turn it into a gift topper – Skip the magnet and glue a loop of ribbon to the back so it can decorate a gift bag or hang as a fall ornament.
- Build fine motor skills – Encourage younger children to paint the pumpkin, cut the template pieces with child-safe scissors, or glue the pieces in place independently.
- Personalize the keepsake – Use a fine-tip paint pen to add your child’s name, age, or the year along the bottom craft stick.
- Pair it with a favorite book – Read a pumpkin-themed picture book before or after the craft to extend the learning at home, in the classroom, or during library storytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to a few common questions about making this popsicle stick pumpkin keepsake.
This craft is a great choice for preschoolers through elementary-aged children. Younger kids may need help with the hot glue steps, while children in kindergarten and up can typically use a low-temperature glue gun with close adult supervision.
Yes! Tacky craft glue works well as a substitute for hot glue, although it will take longer to dry between steps.
Attach an adhesive magnet to the back to display it on the refrigerator, or glue on a ribbon loop to hang it as a fall decoration.
Skip the photo and let kids write their name, draw a face, or decorate the pumpkin with fall stickers. It also makes a cute standalone fall craft.
Plan for about 20 to 30 minutes of active crafting time, plus drying time for the glue and paint.
More Pumpkin Crafts for Kids
If your kids love this popsicle stick pumpkin keepsake, they’ll enjoy these other fun pumpkin crafts for fall. From decorating pumpkins to creating festive fall decorations, these projects are perfect for preschoolers, classrooms, and family crafting.
Save This Craft
Save this Popsicle Stick Pumpkin Keepsake Craft for a fun fall activity kids can make at home, in the classroom, or during storytime.
Originally published September 25, 2017.
