There is just something about a pumpkin that brings out the kid in all of us. And suppose it is because it is the symbol of the changing season and a reminder of a fun occasion, Halloween and it also gives me an opportunity to really get creative.
But the only down side to carving jack-o’-lanterns to me is that little kids cannot get involve because it requires using a sharp knife. But there is a way for them to participate safely. Get them on the fun and because they do not have to remove the seeds, it is not nearly as messy.
The first step is to outline the face of the jack-o’-lantern. You will find that the larger the areas that you are going to carve and the less you tailed, the simpler. Now, rather than conventionally carving this jack-o’-lantern, we are just going to scrape away the skin and flesh. That is what makes it easier for children and safer because the tool is not a knife but a melon scoop.
You may find it find it helpful to score the outline of the features with a paring knife before the children get started. Now it is just a matter of scraping the image by staying within the lines and only removing about a third of the shell and in no time, your jack-o’-lantern will take on a personality.
Creating a jack-o’-lantern this way can give you a couple of options. You can leave the pumpkin intact and last for a good while or you can take a more conventional approach, cut up the top and drop in a light, but either way, it a safe and fun way for kids to get involved.
From the Gardens, I am Allen Smith.
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