What kid doesn't love carving a pumpkin? It's enticingly messy and squishy, and it's a tradition that's been celebrated for centuries. Check out this step by step guide on how to carve your own spooky pumpkins at home! (The kids will need your help with this one) Find out more by visiting www.marthastewart.com
Cut a Hole in the Pumpkin
The first step is hollowing out the pumpkin. Use a keyhole saw to cut the hole. If you'll be using a candle for illumination, you can cut the hole in the pumpkin's top (always put the candle in a high-sided glass, and never leave unattended). For electric lights, make the hole in the bottom or side so you can hide the cord.
Scoop Out the Flesh
Scoop out flesh, pulp, and seeds with a plaster scraper or fleshing tool
Transfer Your Design
Now it's time to transfer your selected designs. Affix it to the pumpkin, and trace the design by poking holes with a sharp awl, needle tool, or T-pin.
Carve the Features
Remove the template and carve along the pattern with a miniature sawor linoleum carving tool. If you want to make holes in the pumpkin for eyes, use a drill equipped with a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch spade bit.
If desired, place candles, small flashlights, or battery-operated light sources inside your pumpkin.
Tip: Prevent exposed areas of the pumpkin's flesh from turning brown by applying a film of Vaseline.
How to Light a Pumpkin
To illuminate a carved pumpkin, string lights are preferable to candles for most designs: Wrap a strand of 20 lights around a glass jar, and secure wires with tape. Cut a hole in the hollowed-out pumpkin for the cord, and place jar inside. Unplug lights before leaving the house or going to sleep. If using a candle, place it in a glass or votive holder, and cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin for ventilation (or leave the top off). Battery operated candles are another good alternative.
Supplies: Sheet of bubble wrap, approximately 12″ x 24″ Scotch tape Aluminum floral wire Cardboard Red construction paper Scissors Acrylic paint and foam brushes Cotton balls 1-inch styrofoam or wood balls Black paint pen Elmer’s glue Foam adhesive dots
Sanity-saving plan-ahead tips for busy moms
The night before…
…gather all supplies and place in one location.
…cut out the bubble wrap rectangles and the cardboard feet.
…trace the frill shape onto the red construction paper for your child to cut out. Or, for younger children, cut out the frills yourself for easy assembly.
…consider painting the white balls to eliminate the need to let them dry the day of the craft.
This photo originally appeared in FamilyFun Magazine Ages: 2 years and up Total time: 1 hour
Your indoor gardener may not get your "bad hair day" jokes, but the fun of this grassy- haired friend won't be lost on him. Like a Chia Pet, the project requires just a sprinkling of seeds, a bit of sun, and a few drops of patience.
What you'll need
One 9- or 12-ounce plastic cup
1 to 1 1/4 cups of potting soil
1 tablespoon of grass seeds (we bought rye grass at a garden center)
Decorations, such as office dot stickers, markers, and ribbon (for safety, it should measure less than 6 inches long)
How to make it
Fill the cup halfway with soil. Divide the remaining soil in two, then have your child measure the seeds and stir them into one of these halves. Tip: To speed germination, you can first soak the seeds in water overnight.
Spoon the seed-filled soil into the cup, then top it with the remaining soil (this final layer should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep). Water the soil well.
Let your child decorate the cup with stickers and markers. Finally, leave the plant in a warm, sunny spot to sprout. Water as necessary to keep the soil about as wet as a damp sponge.
