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Fall Festival
Fall Festival Display Ideas
What you need to know
Our annual Fall Festival is upon us, and this can be a stressful time for busy teachers. Rest assured, it is not necessary to carve your pumpkin, though you certainly can. Lots can be achieved with markers, paint, backdrops, and decoupage. This section offers useful resources to various techniques.
NO CARVE PUMPKINS!
With kids, carving pumpkins can be daunting, to say the least. Here are some really easy and creative no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas so you can create your own unique and stunning pumpkin displays.
The easiest way I have found to get all kids involved is to set out all kinds of supplies and establish a clear directive. A choice board is an excellent way to maintain order and differentiate the strengths of the kids as well as showcase the objectives of the display.
Example: Mad Scientist Pumpkin( 5 Groups)
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Work on pumpkin scientist: hair, face, outfit.
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Work on back drop: Chemistry set with beakers and tubes( black paper with white and colored chalk,
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Audio/Video: Record a the inner dialogue of the scientist as he works or an Interview.
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Write a description and explanation of the display.
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Presentation Speakers.
Skip the Paint
School glue can be used to decoupage items on the pumpkins like leaves, paper, and fabric. Simply brush glue all over the back of the object, then once the piece is placed on the pumpkin, paint a coat of glue over the top as well. It will dry clear! I love using this method as an alternative to painting by using tissue paper, news paper, or bulletin board paper. Super easy and it looks good!!
The Dollar Store is a great resources:
You can spend $5 and walk away with a basket of cool supplies: silk flowers, toy insects, glass drops, art supplies, paint, seasonal decor, hardware….endless.
https://averageinspired.com/2016/01/10-craft-supplies-you-should-buy-at-dollar-tree.html
A Walk in the Woods
Go far a walk and come back with all you need! Twigs, acorns, pine cones, leaves, pebbles, and ferns are all great craft supplies to make a natural and rustic display.
Hardware Store
Just another unexpected place to find craft supplies. Nails, bolts, electrical caps, cork caps, wire…..
Recycled Materials
Dustbin Diving can be fruitful! Milk bottle caps, caps of all sorts, tin cans, aluminum can tabs, toilet paper rolls…
Useful Links
75 Super Creative Pumpkin Decorating Ideas to Try This Autumn
https://artfulparent.com/kids-pumpkin-decorating-ideas/
https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-paint-a-pumpkin-2577364
https://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/best-pumpkin-decorating-ideas/
Past displays
We have used all of these techniques in our displays throughout the years. Here is a walk down memory lane from some of our Academy Crafters:
Example of a no-carve pumpkin using natural materials found in the woods around school
Some examples of painted pumpkins
Some examples of creative use of carving
Some examples of creative use of carving
Some examples of creative use of carving
Finally, here is a great example that ties the display to curriculum,
