How to Carve a Princess Design on a Pumpkin

So your little girl is just not into the spooks and goblins, however coming up with sweet Halloween decorations can be a bit of a trick. The stores don't really cater to saccharine celebrations when it comes to Halloween. You can make a pretty princess pumpkin yourself at a fraction of the cost.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pumpkin
• Pen
• Paper
• Carving knife
• Pink candle
• Tiara

1. Ask your child to draw the sort of princess that she wants on her pumpkin. You can supervise and help her with any sort of drawing that she has difficulty with. You can even make a copy of it, drawing it yourself, as she does.

2. Draw something very similar to your child's drawing on the pumpkin itself. If it has big eyes, give it big eyes. If it has a winning smile, make sure to make it a pleasant one on the pumpkin.

3. Cut the pumpkin. You want to slice the top part so that it opens easily.

4. Dig out all the seeds and gunk from inside the pumpkin. You can save the seeds for roasting or planting, but most throw them away. Do as you wish with what's inside, but make sure to get it all cleaned out. You may need to use a spoon to help scrape the edges clear of any residue.

5. Carve out the princess face that you have drawn. Remember that anything goes here. You can make the pumpkin into any sort of princess that you want.

6. Put a pink candle in the pumpkin and light it.

7. Put the top back on your pumpkin. It should fit perfectly, and you should now have a perfect pumpkin princess.

8. Place the tiara on your pumpkin as an added touch. There's no mistaking its regal nature now.

9. Holding the tiara in place, put your pumpkin out for optimal decoration. Placing it on the porch or in the living room is a great idea for Halloween. If you put it where trick or treaters can see it, you will likely thrill many little girls.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your imagination when it comes to this pumpkin. It can be any princess that you want it to be.
• Don't throw out the pumpkin without explaining to your child that she will be back next year. It is important that she doesn't see the pumpkin going in the trash. Although it is just an object, a child can project real feelings on things with a face.
• Don't ever let a child handle the carving tools. Make sure to keep them out of reach of all children, putting them away quickly after use.