This Halloween why not try something different? Instead of carving the traditional pumpkin for your Halloween decorations, try your hand at carving a watermelon instead. In some areas watermelons are still plentiful and easy (and cheap!) to get hold of. They are so much easier to carve than the traditional pumpkin because they are much softer – so you’ll have it done in no time at all. The kids will love gobbling up all the watermelon and it saves you having to think up inventive ways to use up leftover pumpkin!
WATERMELON CARVING
This is the perfect activity to do with the kids on a warm, lazy afternoon in the garden. Before you make a start, you’ll need to gather the following materials:
* Watermelon (a nice round one will do)
* Knife
* Tealight candle and matches (or use a flameless battery operated candle for safety)
* Pen (to draw the spooky face on – or you can try your hand at freestyle cutting)
* Ice cream scoop / spoon
* Bowl (for scooped out watermelon flesh)
Making a spooky watermelon carving is simple, and kids will love to get involved too. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Decide on the face you wish to cut and draw onto the watermelon as a guide.
2. Cut a ‘lid’ off the top of the watermelon and discard.
3. Scoop out the watermelon guts (kids love to help with this gruesome task, gobbling it up as they go!)
4. Cut out the fearsome eyes, nose and mouth.
5. Place your candle inside the scooped out watermelon and light it. Then enjoy your goulish gourd!
Remember to keep the matches out of reach of the kids and never to leave the candle burning unattended. If in any doubt, replace the tea light candle with a battery operated light.
Enjoy and Happy Halloween!
Author Bio: Angela Henderson is a Clinical Psychologist and owner of www.finleeandme.com.au, an online store specialising in baby and kids products designed to not only keep them looking fashionable but aid their developmental goals too.
