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Friends Art Lab / Blog / Bleeding Tissue Paper Pumpkins – Preschool Fall Art Project

Bleeding Tissue Paper Pumpkins – Preschool Fall Art Project

Author: Kristian Klebofski    Published: 09/03/2024     Updated: 11/08/2024

Create vibrant and fun bleeding tissue paper pumpkins with your kids! This fall art project is a perfect blend of creativity and seasonal charm.

A colorful, completed bleeding tissue paper pumpkin art project, showing the blend of bright colors on a pumpkin design.
Table of Contents:
  1. Bleeding tissue paper pumpkins are a gorgeous Fall art project for kids
  2. Process art + bleeding tissue paper pumpkins = pure joy!
  3. Materials
  4. Directions
  5. Colorfast vs. bleeding tissue paper What’s the difference?
  6. Conversation starters while making pumpkin art
  7. Why bleeding tissue paper pumpkins is a STEAM activity
  8. Turn your bleeding tissue paper pumpkins into gifts
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

Bleeding tissue paper pumpkins are a gorgeous Fall art project for kids

It’s no secret that I’m a more-is-more person.

More sprinkles, more glitter, more Hamilton…I’d like an extra helping of ‘em all, please!

As part of the more-is-more mantra, I love an art supply with a secret hidden talent. More goodness. More magic.

The start of the show for this pumpkin craft is bleeding tissue paper.

Bleeding tissue paper looks and feels like normal tissue paper (and is just as inexpensive), except it’s got a surprise up its sleeve.

Process art + bleeding tissue paper pumpkins = pure joy!

This pumpkin art activity is pure preschool process art wonderfulness.

Kids love to experiment with different colors, and with bleeding tissue paper, they can watch the hues mix and meld before their eyes.

It’s like magic on paper.

So, grab your supplies, put on some festive music, and let’s dive into this delightful preschool Fall activity with absolutely stunning masterpieces at the end.

You’re sure to love these other fun pumpkin projects, too:

  • 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Dough
  • Kandinsky-Inspired Pumpkin Art for Kids
  • Jack-o-Lantern Halloween Printmaking for Kids
  • Pumpkin Squish Bag

Materials

Friends Art Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

  • Pumpkin coloring page or a pumpkin drawn on white paper with black permanent marker
  • Bleeding tissue paper cut into squares
  • Water
  • Paintbrushes
A close-up of a pumpkin coloring page with water applied.

Directions

Let’s hit it!

  1. Paint the inside of the pumpkin shape with water, making sure it’s evenly wet (see how the photo above is shiny with water? That’s the perfect amount!).
  2. Lay the bleeding tissue paper squares over the wet area, covering the pumpkin shape entirely.
  3. If any parts of the tissue paper are dry, use your paintbrush to dab more water on top until it’s fully saturated.
  4. Allow the tissue paper to sit for a few minutes to let the colors transfer.
  5. Carefully peel off the tissue paper squares or wait until they’re dry and shake them off for a big reveal.
A hand holding a package of Spectra® bleeding art tissue, showcasing the supplies needed for a bleeding tissue paper pumpkin craft.

Colorfast vs. bleeding tissue paper: What’s the difference?

Not all tissue paper is created equally.

Colorfast tissue paper is designed to keep its color and not bleed when wet.

This is great for wrapping gifts, but not so much for art projects that rely on the transfer of color.

Bleeding tissue paper, on the other hand, is specially made to release its color when it comes into contact with water, creating beautiful, vibrant effects perfect for this Preschool Fall activity.

Detailed view of wet tissue paper squares bleeding vibrant colors onto a pumpkin coloring page in a fall art project for kids.

Conversation starters while making pumpkin art

While creating, introduce some of these fabulous conversations starters for meaningful chit-chat while making your art:

  • “What happens when two colors mix together?”
  • “How do you think we can make the pumpkin look even brighter?”
  • “What other shapes could we make using this technique?”
  • “Why do you think the tissue paper changes color when wet?”
  • “What colors remind you of Fall and Halloween?”
Side-by-side images showing the process of peeling off tissue paper and the resulting colorful pumpkin stack created with the bleeding tissue paper technique.

Why bleeding tissue paper pumpkins is a STEAM activity

  • Science: Observe how water affects different materials.
  • Technology: Explore the use of tools like paintbrushes to create art.
  • Engineering: Plan and execute the design of your pumpkin artwork.
  • Art: Experiment with colors, shapes, and design.
  • Math: Discuss shapes, patterns, and symmetry in your pumpkin.
hands peeling off an orange tissue paper square.

Turn your bleeding tissue paper pumpkins into gifts

These beautiful bleeding tissue paper pumpkins make wonderful gifts.

Consider mounting them on a piece of cardstock or framing them for a personalized gift that’s perfect for grandparents, teachers, or friends.

You could even use smaller pieces to create fall-themed greeting cards!

An overhead view of a pumpkin coloring page with colorful tissue paper squares scattered around, ready for a fall art project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular tissue paper for this activity?

This can only be done with bleeding tissue paper, as regular tissue paper won’t release its color when wet. However, check your tissue paper first to see if it is bleeding tissue paper! A lot of people have found that their craft tissue is bleeding tissue without even realizing it.

Can we reuse the tissue paper?

Once used, the tissue paper’s color will be faded, so it’s best to use fresh squares for each project.

Where do you get your coloring pages?

From a fabulous shop called Friends Art Lab! We have a huge collection of printable coloring pages for kids and they’re the best.

Friends Art Lab Best Resources:

GIANT 10-Foot Coloring Banners 🎨
Printable Coloring Pages for Kids ✍🏼
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Kristian

Hi, I’m Kristian!

I have spent over 15 years in the preschool classroom, I have a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, and I was a college professor of education for eight years. My passion is sharing creative learning activities for children and I'm so happy you're here.

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