Create some fun this Halloween with a crafty decoration that will prove a tricky treat. Not only will it bring smiles on Oct. 31, but with a little imagination it can be used any holiday of the year. Here’s the recipe for celebrating “All Hallow’s Eve” with a spunky little pumpkin craft that will add to the holiday spirit.
Materials
Round, black, orange or green paper lantern
Construction paper or felt
Black, orange and green crepe streamers
Scissors, glue, tape
Instructions
1) Carefully open the paper lantern, stretching it to its maximum potential so that it resembles a round pumpkin. Hang it from a hanger, line or rod to make it easier to decorate.
2) Cut round or triangular eyes, nose and mouth from black construction paper or felt, and glue to one side of the pumpkin to create a traditional look. Be creative!
3) Cut long strips of orange and black streamers. Tie and/or glue them to the metal frame at the bottom of the lantern so that they hang down from the pumpkin. If you like, cut smaller pieces of green crepe paper and glue to the top of the pumpkin to resemble a stem.
4) Finally, hang your crafty jack-o’-lantern inside all season to enjoy your tricky treat. On Halloween night, take Jack outside for all of your trick-or-treaters to enjoy. (Be sure it’s not rainy or windy, because the craft will not hold up outdoors. Instead, keep it right inside the door.) Also, why stop at one? Craft an entire pumpkin patch if you like.
This craft can be fun all year through with a few alterations. Here are just a few ideas to expand on this concept:
- A pastel lantern during springtime to resemble a flower, Easter egg, bunny or birdhouse.
- A red lantern for Valentine’s Day.
- A green, cone-shaped one for a Christmas tree, or a round one for an ornament.
- Or create one to look like a ball from a child’s favorite sport (baseball, basketball, soccer ball) and hang it in their room all year.
