Crafting the perfect Halloween: How to make pumpkin lanterns

Many people wonder when Halloween 2024 is. This holiday is celebrated every year on 31 October, with roots in Celtic traditions concerning spirits. It's a time full of fun, during which people dress in costumes resembling horror characters, go from house to house collecting sweets, and partake in spooky parties. People decorate their homes and wear costumes to embrace the mysterious atmosphere. For many, it's a fun escape from daily concerns. One of the most popular decorations is a pumpkin lantern. The designs of lanterns vary greatly, with the final shape limited only by one's imagination.

The first step in creating a beautiful lantern is selecting the right pumpkin. This is a crucial stage, so it's worth investing some time in it. Medium-sized pumpkins with smooth skin work best. Large pumpkins can be difficult to hollow out, especially for children, while those that are too small may not accommodate a candle or LED light.

While shopping, pay attention to a few important aspects. The pumpkins should be heavy and healthy, without soft spots, signs of mould, or visible damage. An intensely orange-coloured skin indicates ripeness. It's also important that the pumpkin has a flat bottom to ensure its stability once it's been carved into a lantern.

Once you have the perfect pumpkin, it's time to prepare your workspace. First, wash the pumpkin under running water to remove dirt from its surface. Then, dry it thoroughly. The workspace must be well-organised and safe, particularly if children are assisting with the cutting.

Start preparing the lantern by cutting off the top part of the pumpkin in a shape resembling a lid. Aim to cut evenly and precisely so that the piece can easily be placed back on the pumpkin later. The hollowing-out process begins with making an incision on the top to create a lid.

Once the lid is removed, the pumpkin is ready for scooping. You can use an ice cream scoop or a regular spoon. Remove all the seeds and pulp, and scrape the interior until the walls are smooth. Wondering what to do with the pumpkin pulp? You can make pumpkin soup, purée, pancakes, muffins, or even jam!

Now, we move on to the most important part of the process—cutting patterns. Before starting, it's worth planning the pattern you wish to cut. Classic monster faces or smiling designs are perfect for Halloween. Alternatively, create your unique design to make your pumpkin lantern stand out. Draw the pattern on the pumpkin using a washable marker or pencil to maintain precision while cutting. Cut patterns at an angle effectively to provide an attractive, three-dimensional effect.

Using a sharp knife or a special carving tool, begin cutting. To avoid cracks and jagged edges, make small cuts and gradually go deeper into the pumpkin's skin.

After completing the carving, it's a good idea to rub the inside and the cut edges with oil, as this will slow the wrinkling process and help the pumpkin maintain a nice appearance for longer.

Once your pumpkin lantern is carved, you can decorate it. The simplest way is by painting it with acrylic paints or markers. You might also use glue and glitter to add some sparkle. Feel free to use your imagination and available materials, such as fabric scraps, beads, or even faux fur. These can help give your lantern a distinctive character.

An interesting idea is to use tinted film, which can be applied to the openings, creating an intriguing light effect. This is an excellent opportunity to involve children in creating beautiful, unique decorations together.

A pumpkin lantern can be illuminated in several ways. The traditional method uses tealight candles, which fit well inside a hollowed-out pumpkin. However, a safer option is LED lights, which do not heat up and eliminate the fire risk. Whatever your choice, place the light source inside the pumpkin, close the lid, and enjoy your beautiful lantern.