How to Carve Apple Heads for Drying

Apples can be carved and dried to create shrunken heads for festive Halloween decorations.

Shrunken apple heads, a popular Halloween activity, are made from carving and drying the fruit. Apples can be left to dry naturally or placed in a food dehydrator for expedited shrinking. One of the fantastic qualities about the kid-friendly activity is that each bump or mistake turns into a unique artistic trait. Once apples are dry and sponge-like, the features can be pinched or molded into a more desired final product.

Things You'll Need

• Apple
• Peeler
• Paring knife

Instructions

1. Use a paring knife to dig a "U" shape into the front of a peeled apple.

2. Cut slices away from the apple front, to reveal the wedge of the previously sliced "U" shape. The wedge becomes the nose structure on the apple face.

3. Cut slices away from the apple front to create cheeks, eye holes, and a mouth area.

4. Cut slits for eyes and a curved slit to accentuate the mouth area. Cut away at the apple front to shape the chin, forehead and eyebrow areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak the cut apple in water, lemon juice and salt before drying to prevent rotting.

• Natural drying can take several weeks to achieve the desired sponge-like texture.

• Use beads, seeds and other craft supplies such as water paint to distinguish features like eyes and cheeks on the dried apple.

References

• Apple Dolls: How to Make an Apple Doll
• Cyber Cauldron: Carved Apple Heads