In this blog series, Sleep8 is branching out from sleep related topics to bring you fun activities that can be completed in about 60 minutes, the same duration as your Sleep8 cleaning cycle. These could be anything from recipes, crafts, DIY projects, skills to master, workouts, or more. Keep your eyes peeled to the Sleep8 blog to find your new favorite pastime.
As many of you may know from my last article, fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The air gets more crisp and there are reasonably temperatured outdoor activities to enjoy. It’s finally a time to wind down--and put decorations up. There are all of the fall crafts, movies, and family time to be had. In addition to and complementing of my last article, today I’m here to share some of my favorite pumpkin land practices to add into your upcoming holiday fun. Let’s talk pumpkin decorating.
What you need:
- Pumpkins—size and color of your choice.
- Newspapers or plastic tablecloth to cover area.
- Pumpkin carving tool kit
- Optional: stencils, glue, glitter, feathers, toothpicks, felt, cotton balls, paint, magazine cuttings, googly eyes—the possibilities are endless.
- A light source to make your pumpkin glow
How to start:
Decide whether you want to carve up your pumpkin work of art, or add on its flair in a different t way. Using construction paper, markers and cotton balls may be a better option for the little ones—see who can make the silliest pumpkin or the one with the wildest hair. Some children (and adults) may even prefer to paint, marker, or glitter their pumpkin to perfection. Try polka dots, stripes, even coordinating it with your existing décor. You can do so many different types of designs to completely transform your creation.
Another added bonus? Painted pumpkins will last longer than their carved up friends and can be enjoyed for more time. Check out these awesome monogrammed, painted, and most fall worthy pumpkins.
If you are going to carve your pumpkin, it is best to wash it with soap and water first, before ever cutting into it.
Next, I find it best to either use a stencil or draw on the pumpkin first and then use a dotting tool to mark where the knife (or safer carving tool kit substitute) will need to go.
Then cut a circle large enough to get your arm through at the top (or the bottom) of the pumpkin to make a place for the candle to go. I’ve personally always done the top and used its stem for the handle—but you can do whichever you like the most. After you’ve made an opening it’s time to go for the guts. Most toolkits for purchase include a pumpkin seed scraper, which simplifies this process a bit. Some people even like to save the seeds for roasting-- if you want to be one of those people check out these tips. Otherwise, once your inside surface is smooth and clean, it is time to carve.
Go back to your stenciled out creation and slowly and carefully (starting in the more detailed spots) begin to cut out your design. Continue this until the design is completed. Afterwards, you can treat your pumpkin. Click here for tips on how to make it last. or just simply put in a candle (or flameless candle) and watch it glow.
No matter which type of pumpkin you pick, this is a quick family friendly activity that can be completed in around an hour that will bring you much more joy than those sixty minutes were thought to hold. Set your completed creations up on mantles or out on porches and enjoy taking all the moments in during this lovely season.
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Written by: Mindi Flippen
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