Pumpkin Card

Autumn has arrived, and the forest animals are getting ready for a big autumn party! Everyone is busy with the preparations, but four little friends have something extra special planned. Sammy the squirrel has been running around collecting acorns all morning — although he probably has more than he could ever eat. Hugo the hedgehog is busy picking out the prettiest autumn leaves, because apparently no one can have a proper autumn party without a perfect pile of leaves. Then there’s Rusty the fox, who has already wandered off three times to see what everyone else is doing, while Benny the bear is in charge of the snacks… which may not be the safest job for a bear who loves eating as much as he does.

Soon, the party begins. The birds are chirping, the rabbits are chatting, and everyone is enjoying the beautiful autumn afternoon. But after a while, someone notices something is missing. “Where’s Sammy?” “I don’t know.” “Have you seen Hugo?” “Nope.” “What about Rusty?” “Haven’t seen him all day.” And Benny? Nothing. Not a single one of them is there.

That’s strange. These four had been looking forward to the party more than anyone. They had spent days getting everything ready, so how could they all be missing now? Everyone starts looking around, wondering where they could possibly be.

Rustle, rustle…

Everyone stops talking. The sound seems to be coming from the middle of the party, right from a big pumpkin decoration sitting quietly among the autumn leaves. Rustle… rustle… Someone slowly walks over and takes a closer look.

Could it be…?

They open the pumpkin—

POP!

Out jump Sammy, Hugo, Rusty, and Benny!

“SURPRISE!”

The four sneaky friends had been hiding there the whole time, waiting for just the right moment to surprise everyone. And somehow, Benny even managed to keep the snacks safe until the big reveal.

Learning Through Making This Pumpkin Card

Making this pumpkin card gives kids a chance to practice creativity and hands-on paper skills.

Coloring the pumpkin and woodland animals lets them experiment with different colors and make their own choices. Cutting and folding help develop hand control and coordination, while putting the pieces together gives them practice with following instructions and working through a project step by step.

The craft also encourages kids to pay attention to how the different parts come together. Younger children may need some help with the cutting and folding, while older kids can work through more of the project on their own.

Ideas for the Classroom and Homeschool

This printable can fit nicely into lessons about autumn, woodland animals, or the changing seasons. Kids could learn about the animals that live in the woods during fall and then make their own pumpkin card as a hands-on activity.

It could also be used alongside a writing activity. Kids can write a short message, a little story, or even a note about what they would put inside their own surprise pumpkin.

For a seasonal classroom display or homeschool project, the finished cards can also be shared with classmates, friends, or family members. This gives the craft a purpose beyond simply making it and putting it away.

How to make a Pumpkin Card

Supplies Needed

• Cardstock
• Colouring supplies – coloured pencils, crayons, or markers
• Scissors
• The Pumpkin Card Template

Pumpkin Card Instructions

Step 1: Printing the pumpkin card templates on cardstock.

Cardstock works best for this craft because it is sturdy enough to hold the shape of the pumpkin while still being easy to fold and cut.

Step 2: Use any colours you like, but yellow, red, orange, and brown will give the craft a nice autumn look.

You can also start with lighter colours and add darker shades around the edges of the animals and in the grooves of the pumpkin.

Step 3: Carefully cut the card out along the outlines. Take your time around the smaller details and curves.

Step 4: Fold along the line separating the top half of the pumpkin from the animal frame. Make a clean fold along the marked line.

Repeat the same process with the line separating the bottom half of the pumpkin from the animal frame.

Now bring the two folded sides of the pumpkin together. This will cover the animals and turn the whole piece back into a pumpkin shape. Press along the folds a few times so they stay in place.

Open the pumpkin back up to reveal the animals inside. Fold it closed again whenever you want to hide them, and open it up for the surprise.

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