It’s October, so one of the activities that kids of all ages (even ones over 6 ft. tall) enjoy, is carving Jack-O-Lanterns. We’ve created many Jack-O-Lanterns in the past, some have turned out awesome, and some, well, let’s just say it was a relief when Halloween was over and we could finally throw them out. This year, our first attempt turned out spooky in just the right way.
My husband got to do the honors of cleaning the pumpkin and overseeing the project with our 6 and 9 year old sons, and I was happy to let them have the fun (and clean-up) while I sat and took pictures. We chose one of four designs inspired by the Frankenweenie movie. We’ve never used a stencil before, which could be why we’ve had so many ugly pumpkins in the past, but it was super easy.
All you need is a medium sized pumpkin, and some tools to carve with. You can use your own kitchen knife, but we purchased a pumpkin carving kit for $4.99 where we bought our pumpkin…I highly recommend you do this, the little tools in the kit make it so much faster and simpler to carve the more intricate design details. You will also need a light source. We used an outdoor tea light, but some people even use flameless candles or flashlights.
It took less than an hour to prepare the pumpkin and carve our design. Our Sparky turned out great! We will definitely enjoy him over the next few weeks.
Make sure you print your own Frankenweenie Jack O Lantern Carving Stencils and go make your own masterpiece with your children.
Shop with Me Mama says
Oh that is way too cute! It sure does look easy enough to do. Will try this with my kids! Thank you 🙂
Missy says
Yes, it was much easier than we anticipated! My husband and kids did great! And the other templates are so cute, too!
Carrie with Children says
Your pumpkin looks great! I think we are going to carve ours this weekend – thanks for the templates!
Missy says
Have fun! Which design are you going to use?
Pam says
Wow! I am impressed. Our pumpkins never turn out so well!
Crystal says
Don’t worry Pam, mine either. Missy’s husband did an awesome job.
Nichol says
What a fabulous carving for the pumpkin. Frankenweenie is perfect for Halloween! Thanks for the cutouts my son will love them!
Missy says
Yes, Frankenweenie is perfect for Halloween! Hope you enjoy!
Beeb Ashcroft says
Your pumpkin looks great!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
How fun is that?! Glad to hear it was pretty easy too. Under 1 hour for the whole pumpkin is pretty impressive.
Crystal says
Missy’s husband did a great job. I’ve never had a pumpkin turn out that well.
Stefani says
I want to try a cut-out this year. I have always made faces with a marker and used that to cut out the faces. I like how your Sparky turned out.
Missy says
They followed the directions exactly as listed, really it was pretty easy….but get one of those tool sets, it helps alot!
Courtney says
love it!!
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom says
I’ve never carved a pumpkin before, nor have the boys. We might give it a try this year. Yours btw turned out great, looks like fun
Missy says
Thanks! You should try it out, good fun for the kiddos, and they can’t wait until it gets dark to actually light ’em up!
Marcie W. says
What a wonderful activity for dads and kiddos to enjoy together and your pumpkin looks perfect!!
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
That is pretty freaking cool!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I think that came out really great! Those take a long time to do, so awesome job!
Toni says
I am hoping we actually do a pumpkin this year. I have never done one before….which means my kids haven’t either #motherfail LOL. We have painted them but never carved them
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
That turned out so cute!
Sheri says
Great job! My husband loves to carve fun pumpkins like this.
Jen says
Awesome – love it!
Notorious Spinks says
Oh this is so cute. I wish I was that creative.
Donna says
I’m such a bad mommy, because we still haven’t carved a pumpkin, and not sure if we have the time. My son has play rehearsal till 9pm tonight. This has been such a crazy month for me. I love your pumpkin… they did a great job!