Jack O Lantern Pumpkin Carving is an extremely popular Halloween craft. It is quick and easy to make. It doesn't look scary. In fact it seems scared itself and therefore, looks extremely innocent.
Materials Needed
- A large pumpkin that is lighter in color as it is easier to carve. Avoid ones with bruises or moldy stems as they spoil faster.
- Tracing paper
- Marker
- Scissors
- Sharp Knife
- Candle
- Tape
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves
Instructions for Making Jack O Lantern Pumpkin Carving
Step 1: Draw patterns of eyes, pointed eyebrows, 2 drop-shaped nostrils and an inverted triangle with rounded off corners for the mouth, on the tracing paper. Also trace your child's hands on the tracing paper. Cut out these tracings.
Step 2: To cut the top of the pumpkin, place the knife at 45 degree angle, so the lid can have a place to rest if you wish to replace it. Use a large spoon or an ice-cream scooper to scrape off the inside of the pumpkin. Remember to make the back of the pumpkin as smooth as possible, because that's where the light will be reflected.
Step 3: Tape the paper pattern on the pumpkin and use a marker to trace the design or make dotted lines with the tip of the knife. Tape the tracings of hand on both the sides of the pumpkin.
Step 4: Remove the taped paper and carve the patterns of eyes, nostrils, mouth and hands carefully. Hold the knife at an angle with the handle lifted a little upwards and the tip of the knife facing downwards. Carve a hole in the unseen back of the pumpkin to act as a chimney. Give the carved pieces a little push from the inside, so they fall out.
Step 5: Soak the carved pumpkin in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach in one gallon water for a couple of hours. Dry it completely, including all the cut edges and rub petroleum jelly, inside-out. This will give a longer life to the pumpkin and will prevent it from shriveling.
Step 6: Place a votive candle in a glass holder inside the pumpkin.
Step 7: Sprinkle ground spices on the bottom side of the lid and cover the pumpkin with it. This will act as an air freshener when the candle burns.
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