Make a Papier Mache Jack-o-Lantern!

Nothing screams “Halloween!” like a glowing jack o’lantern – but your little one isn’t ready to wield a carving knife yet. No problem! With paper mache and paint, you can create a festive pumpkin that will outlast its carved peers.

What You Need:

• 1 balloon
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups warm water
• A mixing bowl
• Lots of newspaper, cut into strips, plus some for lining table
• Orange, green, and black paint, plus brushes and water for rinsing

What You Do:

1. Make paper mache: mix flour and water in wide bowl until it has the consistency of thick sludge.
2. Line work table with newspaper.
3. Inflate balloon and tie closed with knot.
4. Now you’re ready to get started: Drag newspaper strips one at a time through the paper mache mixture. When thoroughly saturated, drape strips around balloon. Repeat in overlapping layers until entire balloon is covered with wet strips. Wrap a final strip around the knot of the balloon to form a stem shape. Set aside a few days until paper strips are completely dry and hard.
5. The paper mache covered balloon should be round and hard. Cover whole “pumpkin” with orange paint and let dry. Add green “stem” and black eyes, nose and mouth. Let dry thoroughly before removing from newspaper-covered table.