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Spooktacular Fun: Crafting Delicious DIY Pumpkin Treats with Hershey’s Pudding Packs!
The crisp autumn air, the vibrant colors of changing leaves, and the thrilling anticipation of Halloween – there’s truly no season quite like it! Even here in sunny Florida, where pumpkin patches might not get a frost, the spirit of fall and Halloween takes over with full force. As a huge fan of this festive holiday, especially with my birthday right around the corner, I’m always looking for fun, creative ways to celebrate with my boys. And what better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by combining our love for delicious snacks with engaging DIY crafts? This year, we’ve discovered an incredibly easy and enjoyable activity: transforming creamy Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding packs into adorable, personalized pumpkin treats!
Halloween isn’t just about costumes and trick-or-treating; it’s also about creating lasting memories and enjoying simple, joyful moments with family. My home starts buzzing with Halloween excitement weeks in advance, filled with discussions about costume ideas, spooky decorations, and, of course, a steady supply of delicious treats. This year, our DIY adventures led us to a fantastic craft that doubles as a delightful snack, perfect for school parties, home celebrations, or just a fun afternoon activity. We’re talking about these charming DIY Pumpkin Treats, made effortlessly with the rich and creamy Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding, which we conveniently picked up during our last Walmart run.
Why Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding is a Family Favorite for Creative Snacking
In our bustling household, Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding is more than just a snack; it’s a staple. My boys absolutely adore its rich, creamy texture and that unmistakable, delicious chocolate flavor, made with real Hershey’s cocoa. It’s my go-to for quick lunchbox additions and those essential after-school snacks, especially when my work schedule keeps me busy. The individual packs are perfectly portioned, mess-free, and incredibly convenient for on-the-go moments. Knowing how much my kids love them, the idea of turning these everyday snack packs into festive Halloween decorations and treats seemed like a stroke of genius. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate snack time from ordinary to extraordinary, adding a touch of personalized fun to their day.
The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings. Watching my children’s faces light up as they painted and created their own unique pumpkin expressions on each Hershey’s pudding cup was priceless. This craft isn’t just about making a cute treat; it’s about fostering creativity, encouraging self-expression, and spending quality time together as a family. These DIY pumpkin pudding packs are not only visually appealing but also offer a delicious surprise inside, making them a dual-purpose delight. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming school Halloween party, searching for a unique alternative to traditional trick-or-treat candy, or simply looking for an engaging activity at home to embrace the fall spirit, these DIY Pumpkin Pudding Treats are sure to be a hit. Below, you’ll find the super easy, step-by-step instructions to create your own adorable pumpkin army!
Unleash Your Creativity: Easy Step-by-Step DIY Pumpkin Treats
Get ready to transform simple pudding cups into charming Halloween masterpieces! This craft is wonderfully forgiving, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels, even for those who might not consider themselves “crafty.” The best part? You probably have most of these supplies on hand already, and the main ingredient, Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding, is always a delicious and convenient find at your local Walmart.
What You’ll Need for Your Pumpkin Pudding Craft:
- Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding Packs (chocolate flavor works great as a delicious hidden surprise!)
- Orange Acrylic Paint (or any suitable craft paint for plastic)
- Green Pom-Pom Balls (various sizes for creative pumpkin stems)
- Craft Glue (liquid white glue for kids, or low-temp hot glue with adult supervision for quicker drying)
- Permanent Marker (black is classic for faces, but other colors can add flair!)
- Paint Brush (a 1 1/2 inch brush covers surfaces quickly; smaller brushes for details)
- Pencil (for sketching faces, making it easy to erase mistakes)
- Plastic bowl or disposable plate (for pouring paint)
- Newspaper, old tablecloth, or craft mat (essential for protecting your work surface)
- Paper towels or wet wipes (for quick clean-ups)
How To Make Your Spooky-Sweet Pumpkin Pudding Treats:
Prepare Your Workspace and Pudding Packs:
Before you dive into the fun, take a moment to set up your crafting station. Start by laying down newspaper, an old tablecloth, or a craft mat to protect your table – crafting can get a little messy, but that’s part of the joy! Open your Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding packs and give them a quick wipe with a damp cloth if there’s any residue on the outside. Pour a small amount of your orange paint into a plastic bowl or onto a disposable plate. This makes dipping your brush much easier and prevents contamination of your main paint supply, ensuring it lasts longer for future projects.
Apply the First Coat of Orange Paint:
Using your 1 1/2 inch paintbrush, apply a generous, even coat of orange paint to the entire exterior of each pudding container. Don’t forget to paint the bottom as well, ensuring a complete transformation! Aim for full coverage, but don’t worry if it looks a little streaky or translucent on the first go. We’ll be adding more layers to achieve that perfect, vibrant pumpkin hue. Encourage kids to cover every bit of the original packaging, turning the brown cup into a bright canvas.
Initial Drying Time – Patience is a Virtue!:
Carefully set the freshly painted pudding containers aside to dry. Find a spot where they won’t be disturbed for approximately 30 minutes. Good air circulation in the room will aid in the drying process. This initial drying time is crucial before adding more layers, as it prevents smudging, ensures the paint adheres properly, and allows for a smoother, more even finish. While they dry, you can clean up your brushes, enjoy a quick break, or brainstorm imaginative pumpkin face ideas for the next step!
Apply Additional Coats for Vibrant Color:
Once the first coat is dry to the touch and no longer tacky, it’s time for the second, and potentially third, coat of orange paint. Two to three coats usually provide a wonderfully vibrant, opaque pumpkin color that completely covers the original packaging, giving your craft a professional finish. Allow each subsequent coat to dry for 15-20 minutes in between applications. The goal is a solid, bright orange canvas, ready for all sorts of spooky or silly expressions.
Sketch Your Spooky or Silly Faces:
Now for the truly creative part – giving your pumpkins unique personalities! Once the final coat of paint is completely dry to the touch, grab your pencil. Lightly sketch out your desired pumpkin faces on the painted containers. Will your pumpkins be happy, spooky, silly, surprised, or even a little mischievous? The pencil allows for mistakes and easy adjustments, so feel free to experiment with different eye shapes, toothy grins, triangle noses, or even cute winks. This is where your imagination truly shines and each pumpkin becomes one-of-a-kind!
Outline and Color with Permanent Marker:
Once you’re completely happy with your pencil sketches, it’s time to make them permanent and bold. Use your black permanent marker to carefully trace over your pencil lines, then fill in the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. The permanent marker provides a bold, crisp look that really makes the pumpkin faces pop against the bright orange background. For an extra touch of creativity, you could even use different colored markers for eyes or unique facial features, adding even more character and flair to your Halloween treats.
Add the Finishing Touch: Green Pom-Pom Stems:
Every pumpkin needs a stem! Take your green pom-pom balls (you can use small, medium, or even combine a few for a bushier stem look) and a dab of craft glue. Apply the glue to the very center of the pudding container lids (the top part, where you peel it open). Gently press a green pom-pom ball onto the glue, holding it in place for a few seconds to ensure it adheres properly. These soft, fluffy pom-poms add a lovely 3D effect and complete the pumpkin look, making them utterly adorable and instantly recognizable. If using hot glue, ensure adult supervision.
Allow the Glue to Dry & Enjoy Your Creations!:
Allow the glue for the pom-pom stems to dry completely before handling your finished pumpkin treats extensively. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes for liquid craft glue, depending on the amount used and humidity. Once dry, your adorable and delicious DIY Pumpkin Pudding Treats are ready to be admired, proudly displayed, shared with friends, and, most importantly, enjoyed! They make fantastic party favors, unique classroom gifts, or just a special, personalized snack for your little goblins at home.
And just like that, you’re done! You’ve successfully transformed simple pudding cups into festive, personalized Halloween decorations and treats. Wasn’t that easy and fun? The satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, especially alongside your children, is truly rewarding and adds an extra layer of magic to the holiday season.
Why Halloween DIYs and Family Crafts Matter for Kids and Parents
Engaging in DIY projects, especially during vibrant holidays like Halloween, offers a multitude of benefits for both children and adults. For kids, it’s an incredible opportunity to develop crucial fine motor skills through painting, gluing, and drawing intricate details. It enhances problem-solving abilities as they decide on facial expressions and color schemes, and it significantly boosts self-esteem by creating something tangible, unique, and delicious. Crafting encourages imaginative play, provides a constructive outlet for their boundless energy, and helps them express their creativity in a fun, hands-on way.
For parents, these activities are more than just a way to pass the time; they are perfect for fostering invaluable family bonding. Crafting together creates a relaxed, joyful environment for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences away from the distractions of screens. It’s a chance to connect in a meaningful way, building cherished memories that will last far longer than any store-bought decoration or quick sugar rush. Plus, seeing the immense joy and pride on your child’s face as they proudly display their handmade pumpkin treat is a reward in itself, reinforcing their sense of accomplishment.
Moreover, these DIY Pumpkin Pudding Treats are a fantastic way to personalize and elevate your Halloween celebrations. Instead of relying solely on generic candies, you’re offering something made with love, creativity, and a personal touch. They are perfectly suited for various Halloween scenarios:
- Classroom Parties: A unique, school-safe, and delicious treat that stands out and minimizes concerns about allergens (as parents know the ingredients).
- Trick-or-Treat Alternatives: Great for younger children who might not go door-to-door, or for those with specific dietary needs, as you control the contents.
- Party Favors: Send guests home from your Halloween gathering with a delightful, handmade souvenir that’s both a craft and a snack.
- Simple Home Decor: Arrange a few of these adorable pumpkins on a shelf, mantelpiece, or dining table for an instant, festive touch that showcases your family’s creativity.
- After-School Fun: A rewarding and engaging activity that seamlessly combines snack time with artistic expression, perfect for a crisp fall afternoon.
Grab Your Supplies and Start Crafting Today!
Ready to make your own batch of delightful pumpkin pudding containers and add a personalized touch to your Halloween festivities? Don’t forget, you can easily find Hershey’s Ready To Eat Pudding packs at your local Walmart. It’s a convenient one-stop shop for all your crafting and snacking needs. Keep an eye out for special promotions and coupons too – for instance, publications like the September/October issue of ALL YOU Magazine sometimes feature valuable coupons, like a $0.55 off coupon for Hershey Ready To Eat Pudding, making this fun and engaging project even more budget-friendly!
This Halloween, let’s make snack time an adventure and crafting a family tradition! It’s truly amazing how a simple, creamy pudding cup can become the canvas for such imaginative and delicious creations. We hope this DIY inspires you and your family to get crafty, share some laughs, and add a wonderfully personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Embrace the spirit of fall and the joy of creating together!
Share Your Creativity and Connect with Us!
We’d absolutely love to hear how you make snack time more fun and engaging for your kids! Do you have any favorite DIY snack ideas, creative uses for everyday items, or beloved Halloween crafts that your family enjoys year after year? Share your thoughts, tips, and photos of your own spooky-sweet creations in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to make this a Halloween filled with delightful DIYs and delicious memories.