Candy apples are one of fall’s best treats – and now they’re coming to the craft table! In this project, kids use a real apple as a paint stamp to create sweet, chunky apple shapes on paper. It’s a simple activity that little ones will love.
The craft is easy to set up, mess-friendly, and completely customizable. Add glitter for some sparkle, stick on googly eyes for a silly twist, or keep things classic. Whether you’re crafting at home or setting up a classroom activity, this one is sure to be a hit. Let’s get started!
Craft Supplies:
Gather these supplies before you begin so everything is within reach:
- 1 apple, cut in half (this becomes your stamp!)
- Brown craft paint (to mimic that gooey caramel look)
- A paper plate to use as your paint palette
- Dark colored cardstock (the moody color makes the warm tones pop)
- Wooden jumbo craft sticks (popsicle sticks for the apple handles)
- Fall-colored glitter – think orange and gold
- Peel-and-stick googly eyes (optional, but oh-so-fun!)
- Glue (a glue stick or school glue works great)
Directions:
- Squeeze a generous dollop of brown paint onto your paper plate. Spread it out a little so the flat side of your apple can pick up an even coat. This puddle is your “caramel,” so don’t be shy with it.
- Press the cut side of your apple firmly into the brown paint, making sure the whole surface is covered. Then press it down onto your cardstock paper. Give it a gentle wiggle and lift straight up. Ta-da! You’ve got a candy apple print.
- Repeat to make as many apples as you like.
- Set your stamped apples aside to dry for a few minutes. This is a great moment to wash sticky hands or peek at your glitter stash while you wait.
- Once the paint feels dry to the touch, glue a wooden craft stick {cut in half} to the top edge of each apple. This little handle instantly turns your print into a real-looking candy apple. Line the sticks up straight for that authentic treat-on-a-stick charm.
- Here comes the sparkle! While the paint is still slightly tacky, or after a fresh dab of glue, sprinkle your fall glitter over the lower half of each apple. Shake off the extra over the plate.
- Want to add some personality? Peel and stick a pair of googly eyes onto a few of your apples. Mix up the sizes for extra silliness. Now you’ve got a whole crew of friendly candy apple characters grinning back at you.
- Let everything dry completely, then show off your work! These prints look adorable taped to the fridge, hung on a classroom bulletin board, or framed as fall decor. You could even scatter a few paper leaves around them for a full autumn scene.
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