How to make a jack-o’-lantern!
By-Tay
With the right tools and a little imagination, you can turn a simple pumpkin into a scary - or silly - jack-o’-lantern!
One option is to use some of the kitchen tools you probably already have in your house such as knives, vegetable peelers, and spoons. of all different shapes and sizes. When using knives, make sure an adult helps you and that no one is around just in case your hand slips on the knife and it goes flying. The spoons are for scooping out the pumpkins insides, but if you are okay with being a little messy and fun, you could use your hands.
Another option is to buy a kit with tools specifically made for making these cool decorations. They include special saws made for this activity, and can be found inexpensively at an online store such as Amazon or a local hobby shop in your area.
Once you have the right tools, the real fun begins! Grab a trusted adult and get to work!
1. Choose the right pumpkin
It should be fresh and firm, not squishy, moldy, old grown and stuff. When it comes to shape, the possibilities are endless! A tall, skinny pumpkin is just as great as a short, wide pumpkin.
2. Cut out the top and remove its insides
Draw a circle around the top of your pumpkin so you know where to cut it, and then remove the top. Scoop out the seeds and the stringy insides with a spoon or a scooping tool. Feel free to use your hands as you wish. The thinner the walls of your pumpkin, the easier it is to carve your design.
3. Draw your design on a piece of paper, cut it, then trace it out on your paper
Punch through your paper with a sharp, strong pencil if you have to. Then go over your tracing with a marker to make sure it’s clear where you’re supposed to cut your design. You could also find a free stencil template online if you want. The most important thing is to match your design with your pumpkin’s shape. A tall, skinny pumpkin could have a long face with a droopy nose. A short, round pumpkin could have a round face with a round nose. Get creative!
4. Saw and cut along the lines until complete
Take your time. Go slowly. If you mess up, don’t worry! That’s a chance to get even more creative!
5.Ta-da! Your pumpkin is ready for display
To slow decay, grab a trusted adult and wet the inside of your jack-o’-lantern with a solution of water and a tiny bit of bleach. Then seal the whole thing in a plastic grocery bag and refrigerate it until it is ready to be displayed!
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