Fun Fall Craft: How to Make Apple Stamps with Your Kids

Hope y'all have been following along with our blog and made it to a few Pick-Your-Own Apple farms!

After a fun day of apple picking at your favorite farm, your kitchen might be overflowing with crisp apples ready to be transformed into pies, cider, and snacks. But did you know that apples can also be the perfect ingredient for a fun and creative craft with your kids? Apple stamping is a simple, hands-on project that allows your little ones to explore their creativity while celebrating the season.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to turn your apples into beautiful, unique stamps to make festive fall decorations, cards, and more. Let’s get crafting!

What You’ll Need:

- A few apples (any variety will do)

- Acrylic paint in various colors (fall shades like red, orange, yellow, and green work best)

- Paper or fabric (for making cards, art, or gift wrap)

- Paper plates (for holding the paint)

- Paintbrush (optional)

- Knife (for adult use only)

- Protective coverings (newspaper, aprons, or old clothes)

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

First, choose a couple of apples from your apple-picking haul. The apples can be any shape or size, but keep in mind that each one will create a slightly different stamp depending on its size and texture.

Adults should cut the apples in half either horizontally to reveal a beautiful star-shaped core or vertically for a more classic apple shape. You can even carve small shapes, like hearts or stars, into the apple's flesh for a custom design. The flat surface of the apple will act as your stamp.

Step 2: Set Up Your Painting Station

Lay down some newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your surfaces, as things can get messy—especially with little ones involved! Squeeze a small amount of each paint color onto separate paper plates. If you'd like to mix colors, use a paintbrush to blend shades like red and yellow for a lovely ombré effect.

Let your kids pick their favorite colors and encourage them to experiment with blending. Fall hues like red, orange, and gold will give your creations that seasonal feel.

Step 3: Start Stamping!

Dip the cut side of the apple into the paint, ensuring it’s evenly coated but not too thick. If there’s too much paint, gently blot the apple on a paper towel to prevent smudging. Now it’s time for the fun part—stamping!

Press the apple firmly onto your chosen paper, fabric, or cardstock. Lift the apple to reveal a perfect apple print. The star-shaped core from the horizontal cut will create a fun, rustic design, while the vertical cut will give you a more classic apple silhouette. You can stamp in patterns or randomly for a playful, creative design.

Step 4: Let Your Creations Dry

Once you’ve stamped your apples, set your art aside to dry. If you’re using fabric (such as making a custom kitchen towel), allow extra drying time and follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it’s washable.

Apple stamping craft activity for toddler and preschool

Craft Ideas with Apple Stamps:

- **Greeting Cards**: Create personalized fall-themed cards for family and friends.

- **Gift Wrap**: Use brown kraft paper and apple stamps for eco-friendly, handmade gift wrap.

- **Wall Art**: Frame your kids’ apple art for a seasonal touch to your home decor.

- **Tote Bags or Tea Towels**: Stamp onto fabric for a charming, custom design.

Apple stamping is not only fun but also educational! It helps children develop fine motor skills and introduces them to color mixing, texture, and pattern design. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to continue the fall fun after a day at the apple farm. The best part is that it’s an easy, mess-friendly activity that results in beautiful, homemade creations.

At Cresthill Academy, creative projects like apple stamping play a key role in fostering children's cognitive and motor skill development. By engaging in hands-on activities that encourage exploration and creativity, children not only enhance their fine motor skills but also learn about patterns, colors, and textures. These fun, seasonal crafts are an integral part of Cresthill Academy’s curriculum, designed to promote growth through imaginative play and experiential learning.

Cresthill Academy, fall toddler crafts, preschool crafts