Pumpkin carving — like roasting a giant bird in your oven for Thanksgiving or dragging a live tree into your house for Christmas — is one of those traditions we’re so accustomed to that we don’t realize the hassle it is (or how strange it is) until we’re in the middle of it.
If you’re a parent of young children looking for pumpkin crafts but wanting to skip the gory details of intricate pumpkin carving, check out these easy pumpkin faces and tips for you to try digging into this Halloween.
Before you begin: Pumpkin carving hacks
Pumpkin carving alternatives
For those who prefer to decorate without the risk and mess of carving, here are some fun and simple alternatives.
7. Mini monsters
Get three to five mini white pumpkins, acrylic paint, and a variety of paint brushes. Find step-by-step instructions for painting a friendly ghost, Frankenstein, Dracula, and more on crafting blog AubreeOriginals.com.
8. Crochet pumpkin person
Draw two black circles for eyes and an upside-down semi-circle for a small mouth. Attach crocheted arms and legs for a cheerful little crafty friend.
9. Emoji pumpkins
Paint your pumpkins with yellow acrylic paint. Using super glue and black and red felt or foam sheets, make cut-outs of the winking emoji, yum emoji, or heart eyes emoji.
10. Mummy pumpkin
Glue on googly eyes and wrap rolled gauze around the eyes and pumpkin body with Elmer’s glue, and you’re done!
Find more creative, no-carve ideas from Parenting Special Needs Magazine.
