Crafting the perfect pumpkin lantern: A step-by-step guide

Choosing the right pumpkin is the first step in creating an impressive DIY lantern. It's important to remember that not every pumpkin is suitable for this task. The best are medium-sized with a uniform structure and firm skin. Large pumpkins can be difficult to hollow out, especially for children, while smaller ones may not accommodate a candle or LED light.

When purchasing a pumpkin, several key aspects are worth considering. Firstly, the pumpkin should be heavy and healthy, without any soft spots or signs of mould. The skin colour should be a deep orange, indicating the vegetable's maturity. It's also important for the pumpkin to have a flat bottom to ensure stability once the lantern is crafted.

If you plan to make a lantern with children, it's a good idea to take them shopping. Let them choose a pumpkin—it's an extra bit of fun that will engage them more in the whole process.

Preparing the pumpkin for carving is a crucial stage that requires proper organization and security of the workspace. First, wash the pumpkin under running water to remove dirt from the surface. Then, dry it with a cloth.

The pumpkin hollowing process begins by cutting the top part and creating a lid. A kitchen knife can be used to ensure the shape allows the lid to be placed back later. After cutting off the top part, use an ice cream or a special pumpkin scoop to remove all the seeds and innards. It's important to keep the inside of the pumpkin as clean as possible, which will simplify later steps.

During carving, safety must be prioritized, especially if children are involved. Knives and other sharp tools should only be handled by adults, while children can assist in removing the pulp or drawing patterns on the pumpkin's skin.

Once the pumpkin is prepared, we can proceed to the most significant step—crafting the DIY lantern. Before starting, it’s worth planning the design you wish to carve. It doesn't have to be complicated—classic monsters or smiling faces work great for Halloween.

You can use a washable marker or pencil to sketch the pattern on the pumpkin. This will help maintain precision during carving. Then, proceed to cut using a sharp knife or a special carving tool. Making small incisions is wise, gradually penetrating deeper into the pumpkin's skin. This approach helps avoid cracks and uneven edges.

Remember to be cautious while carving, especially when working with children. Children can help with simpler tasks like holding the pumpkin or handing tools, but carving is best conducted under adult supervision.

Once the lantern is carved, it's time to decorate. This phase allows us to unleash our creativity and give our lanterns a distinctive character. The simplest method is to paint the pumpkin with acrylic paints or markers. We can also use glue and glitter to add some sparkle.

A popular technique is to embellish the lantern with scraps of materials—fabrics, beads, or even faux fur. A bit of glue can give the lantern a more unique appearance. An interesting idea is to use tinted foils, which can be adhered to the cut-out sections, creating a striking light effect.

Remember to illuminate your lantern. Traditionally, tealight candles fit snugly inside the hollowed pumpkin. However, a safer alternative is LED lights, which do not heat up and eliminate the fire risk. Whichever option you choose, place the light source inside the pumpkin, replace the lid, and enjoy the impressive lantern.

It's worthwhile to attend to a few practical aspects to keep the pumpkin lantern looking good for an extended period. One of the most important is prolonging the pumpkin's lifespan. After hollowing out the interior and crafting the design, you can rub the cut edges with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil. This will prevent the pumpkin from drying out and cracking quickly. Regular inspection and maintenance of the lantern, such as spraying with water, will also help keep it in optimal condition.

Read also: Not just soup. How to use pumpkin in the kitchen

A common question is what to do with pumpkins' insides. The answer is simple—they can be used in many ways. Pumpkin seeds are a fantastic snack when roasted with salt and spices in the oven. The pulp can be used to make soups, cakes, or jams. This way, nothing goes to waste, and we gain additional delicious dishes.

A pumpkin lantern is a perfect way to bring a magical atmosphere to your home. Its flickering glow enhances the Halloween spirit and ensures this special evening will be unforgettable.