Kids Crafts: Pumpkin Painting

We all think of Jack-O-Lanterns when we think of Halloween. I don't know about you, but I've always looked forward to carving the pumpkin. But when it comes down to it, the kids are REALLY excited about carving the pumpkin, but at 4 and 6 years old, I haven't yet allowed them to wield the knife. Once the pumpkins are opened, they dig for a few minutes, then get tired of emptying the pumpkin, and getting messy. Then they watch anxiously while I carve the pumpkin and stress out. In the end, they are excited with the results, but haven't actually done much to bring them about.

Last year, we did not carve pumpkins. We painted them instead! Although this posed a mess of its own, it was not the same mess that carving makes. There was no pulp, no seeds, only paint. There was also no knife. And best of all, the kids could do it themselves. The best part, was that our pumpkins did not rot and mold like the traditional jack-o-lanterns I've had in the past. They lasted till after Thanks Giving and we enjoyed them the whole time.

If you'd like to try painting your pumpkin this year, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Pick a pumpkin that has as few flaws and blemishes as possible. These areas will be the first places to turn soft and rot.
2. Gently clean your pumpkin and wipe it dry.
3. Paint the whole pumpkin with a multi-purpose sealer. This helps the pumpkin last longer.
4. Use your imagination to create your own masterpiece.
5. Seal the pumpkin again once your painting is complete.

Here a re a few ideas to get you started:

1. Draw your design with a permanent marker prior to painting.
2. Draw on a piece of paper and softly transfer the design onto the pumpkin.
3. Download patterns online, or use clip art for patterns.
4. Use stencils to paint your pumpkin. This allows you to paint with out worrying about keeping a straight line.
5. Use masking tape to create patterns.
6. Use foam stamps or sponges to transfer paint patterns onto your pumpkin.
7. Embellish your pumpkin with more than paint. Add other items.

Here are some references to get you started:

1. Easy Pumpkin Painting
2. Pumpkin Painting
3. Pumpkin Painting Book and Kit

So, go ahead and get your pumpkin painted and enjoy it until Halloween and beyond. Remember, your imagination is the only limit to what you can do. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!