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.
RELATED —> Paper Plate & Paint Splat Caramel Apple Craft Idea
That’s all it takes to create a batch of the cutest candy apples around, no sugar required! This craft is proof that the simplest ideas often bring the biggest smiles. We love how each apple turns out a little different, full of the personality of the kiddo who made it.
If you give this project a try, we’d love to see your creations. Snap a photo and tag us @GluedToCrafts so we can cheer you on. Happy crafting, friends, and happy fall!
Apple Stamped Caramel Apple Craft Idea For Fall
Turn a real apple into a paint stamp for adorable candy apple prints! Easy fall kids' craft with glitter, craft sticks, and googly eyes. Try it today!
Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:
- Cardstock Paper
- Craft Paint
- Large Apple
- Jumbo Popsicle Sticks
- Embellishments
Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!
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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