The Painted Jack-o-Lantern // Fall Bucket List

There have been so many cute fall toddler-friendly arts and crafts floating around the Internet lately, and I was getting a little bummed out by them all. Not because I didn't think they were cute, or creative, or fun. In fact, I thought all those things. What was bumming me out was the fact that my own toddler has all of zero interest in most arts and crafts. Try as I might, none of my cute little artsy ideas has ever captivated Marcus in the slightest.

Then Courtney posted a simple craft that I thought just might bring out the Picasso in Marcus, as well as be the perfect project for our Fall Bucket List.

Like most crafts that I've planned, I set out all the necessary supplies during nap time. I didn't hold my hopes too high, I didn't want to be totally crushed, as I had so many crafts before.

After the pumpkin, paints, and brushes were neatly lined up I took some painters tape and cut out different shapes to be used.

When Marcus woke I had him choose the painters tape shapes he wanted to use for jack-o-lantern eyes, as well as choosing from different styles of jack-o-lantern mouths. 

Marcus kept things very traditional. 

Then, I handed over the paint and paint brushes and held my breath as I sent up prayers that this project would go well.

To my utmost surprise and delight Marcus went to town painting his pumpkin. The only bit I helped with was making sure the jack-o-lantern face had plenty of paint surrounding it, so when the paint was dry and the tape pulled the face would appear. The rest Marcus took full liberty of himself. 

There was even a singular moment of finger painting. 

But let's not totally fool ourselves. That moment of finger painting lasted all of three seconds, and then the request to be cleaned up came immediately after. Someday we'll finger paint. Someday. 

Thrilled doesn't even touch how I felt about this little project and how well it panned out. The final product has graced our kitchen table ever since completion. 

There will come a day when arts and crafts will be a thing in our house. But for now we're celebrating our painted jack-o-lantern - the only successful craft project we've ever attempted. 

How is your Fall Bucket List coming along? Be sure to link up below with Stephanie, Elizabeth and myself, and let us know what you've been up to!

      Desirée // Macke Monologues      Stephanie // Wife Mommy Me     Elizabeth // Chasin' Mason