Hallowe’en Jack-o'-Lanterns

Protect your work surface by covering it with Bounty paper towels, because carving can be good and messy!

Choose a firm, ripe pumpkin. Any shape will do.

Moms should cut out the top of your pumpkin with a craft saw. Add a notch in the circle when you cut so you can easily see how the top fits back on when you're done.

Scrape out the insides with an ice cream scoop or ladle. This is a great part for the kids to do! Also, make sure the base inside the pumpkin is flat.

This is a good time to clean up, before you move on to pattern making.

Sketch a face on your pumpkin, or make a pumpkin pattern by drawing a design on a paper towel. Spooky faces, letters, or ghosts are all fun ideas. Let your imagination turn your jack-o'-lantern into a holiday masterpiece!

Attach the paper towel onto the pumpkin using straight pins and make sure to be careful. Then, trace the design into the pumpkin by poking the pins through the paper and into the pumpkin skin. Remove the paper towel to reveal the outline of your shapes.

Now it's time to carve along the outlined areas with a carving tool.

When you're done, place a votive in a candle glass inside the pumpkin. Please remember that candles are flammable, so carefully supervise the kids when using them. Then, put on your jack-o'-lantern's hat, and you're ready to go!

Cake stands of varying heights make a beautiful display for your creations, and you can add leaves and berries to complete the scene.