It’s that time of year, and if you haven’t attempted already, it’s down to the wire - time to carve that pumpkin. But, carving a pumpkin will involve using a sharp knife which is not very safe when used around children, and requires a lot of adult supervision. This sounds great in theory, but when you get started carving & turn your back for a second to clean up a mess, etc., your child suddenly has access to the sharp knife. It can happen fast.
Use your imagination. It doesn’t have to turn out like a traditional jack-o-lantern. Make a child’s "self-portrait" or make your own scarecrow with a pumpkin head, or make a family of pumpkins using different sizes and each one representing a different member of your family. Use your imagination, be creative and most of all, have a great time spent with your child.
So, here are some alternative, fun, safe ways to decorate a pumpkin - No carving:
Have your children use simple crayons or markers and draw a face or a self-portrait or whatever they choose on the outside of their pumpkin. They can even just doodle their own design - They may not be picture-perfect, but the children will enjoy the process.
Paint the pumpkin. You can use water-safe paint that’s easily washed off of hands and clothing.
Use "royal" icing (the kind you use on gingerbread houses - some are made with egg whites - others don’t require egg whites). Use a dull plastic knife to spread the icing on the pumpkin & simply place decorations on tops using M&Ms or small Reese’s Pieces or tiny peanut butter cups. Use whatever candy you like best, or anything that looks attractive and inviting.
Use Mr. Potato Head pieces and decorate away. This can sometimes require an initial hole poke from an adult to get the pieces to fit in easily. But, this kind of design can be used over and over, making several different pumpkins as desired.
Use a decoupage glue and cut out pictures from a magazine - or, use duplicate pictures of your child or your family & glue onto the pumpkin, covering with a protective coat.
Or, use glue and affix beads, sequins, ribbon, raffia - Whatever craft item you think looks great.
Use stickers - We didn’t say the pumpkin has to look pretty - It’s your child’s work of art. The fun is in the process.
If your pumpkins do turn out interesting and picture perfect, however, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures to save for scrapbooks or future reference to remember your fun time of safe pumpkin decorating.
