Carving jack-o-lanterns is one of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit. Instead of repeating designs of years past, why not get creative and try something new? No matter your skill level, these easy jack-o-lantern designs will earn first place in any friendly pumpkin carving competition. And if you’re looking to serve some special Halloween snacks, be sure to try these kid-friendly dessert decorating ideas.
Ghost Pumpkin
Materials:
- Pumpkins
- White craft paint
- Black craft paint
- Paintbrush
Ghost Pumpkin Instructions:
Step One: Dip your thumb in white craft paint and place it on the pumpkin to create the “ghost bodies.” Repeat this until your pumpkin is covered in as many ghosts as you like.
Step Two: Once your ghost bodies are dry, use the back end of a paintbrush or a very fine-tip paintbrush to add eyes and a mouth with black craft paint.
Step Three: Allow it to dry. Now it’s time to decorate for Halloween!
Eyeball Pumpkin
Materials:
- Pumpkin
- Drill
- 1 inch flat bit
- Plastic eyeballs
- Regular drill bit
- Flameless light or flashlight
Eyeball Pumpkin Instructions:
Step One: Start with a gutted pumpkin. We cut the bottom out to give the eyeballs the most surface area.
Step Two: Using a 1-inch flat bit, drill a hole into the pumpkin. Note: The bit size may vary based on the size of your eyeballs. You don’t want the hole to be bigger than the eyeball, so test fit along the way.
Step Three: Place a plastic eyeball in the hole.
Step Four: Repeat steps two and three until you’re happy with your coverage.
Step Five: Using a regular drill bit, add some additional smaller holes to let even more light out.
Step Six: Place a flameless light or flashlight inside of the pumpkin and place it outside!
Related: Our Favourite DIY Halloween Decorations for a Spooktacular Holiday
Related: Terracotta Jack-O-Lanterns Make for the Best Boho Halloween Decor
Sewn-Shut Pumpkin
Materials:
- Pumpkin
- Knife
- Screwdriver
- Darning needle
- Twine
- Flameless light or flashlight
Related: 4 DIY Pumpkin Decorations and Crafts Perfect for Your Fall Porch
Sewn-Shut Pumpkin Instructions:
Step One: Start with a gutted pumpkin.
Step Two: Cut two triangular eyes and a mouth using a knife.
Step Three: Using a screwdriver, poke holes around the perimeter of the pumpkin’s eyes and mouth.
Step Four: Thread the needle with twine and begin to “sew.” Note: there are two ways to go about this, the traditional sewing way, or you can cut smaller pieces of twine and poke them through the front, creating a criss-cross pattern, so no “sewing” is required.
Step Five: Once everything has been sewn shut, place a flameless light or flashlight inside of the pumpkin and place it outside!
Photos and video courtesy of The Craft Aisle.
