Posted: October 20, 2015
A time-honored part of Halloween is the pumpkin! Whether carved or merely decorated, pumpkins are a staple of this holiday and are often personalized by children based upon their interests and more. Unfortunately, the process of carving a pumpkin may not be possible for some children with Cerebral Palsy, making alternatives a welcome part of this year’s Halloween. Today’s craft explores ways to decorate a pumpkin without a knife, allowing for children with special needs to get in the spirit of things while also making for a unique decoration for the holiday.
Pumpkin Decorating
Entry Level:
Supplies:
- Mini pumpkin
- Assorted paints
- Paint brushes, sponge paint brushes (optional)
- Step 1
- Step 2
- All Set!
Step 1:
Put various paint colors on a paper plate, separating them distinctly to allow for mixing as well as the use of individual colors.
Step 2:
Let the child paint the pumpkin with the various colors.
Tip: To add more texture to the pumpkin, let the child use the sponge brushes.
Advanced Level:
Supplies:
- Mini pumpkin
- Assorted paints
- Paint brushes, sponge paint brushes (optional)
- Various decorating supplies (ex: glitter, poms, sequence, foam stickers)
- Paint
- And Apply!
Step 1:
Put various paint colors on a paper plate.
Step 2:
Mix small amounts of glue into the paint. This will make the miscellaneous decorating items stick better to the pumpkin. This step is only necessary if you need glue for the decorating items.
Step 3:
Let the child paint the pumpkin with the various colors.
Tip: To add more texture to the pumpkin, let the child use the sponge brushes.
Step 4:
Let the child decorate the painted pumpkin with the various decorating supplies (we used foam stickers) you have available around the house. Toilet paper can double as a mummy wrap, etc!
