Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Mom, I’m Bored!

If your family likes carving gourds and pumpkins in the fall (I know some families that do not celebrate Halloween that do this with a Christian poem), I got a nifty idea from a crafty friend that would be a great craft and homeschool project that can be preserved for years to come. This is an idea that will also work exceptionally well, for those tracking the projects over the years for families who traditionally do this project.

Typically, families who enjoy the ritual of carving gourds and pumpkins in the autumn, spend time cutting, scooping, designing, and detailing their works of art. They made add some Vaseline or other product to the cut areas to help preserve the newly cut autumn masterpiece. However, even if you live up north, these works of FUN art will fade quickly. You can preserve the moment with photos, true, but there is yet another wonderful idea to continue to enjoy these works of art over the years.

Purchase a hollow foam pumpkin or gourd in the decoration section of a discount store or art store. Also purchase a battery powered tea light candle. Allow your children to design their masterpiece. With your supervision, use and exacto knife to cut the top as you would with a real pumpkin and “carve” the design on the foam gourd. When you are finished, be certain to remove all the foam cut pieces, especially those little “crumbs.” Once you finish this, place your battery powered candle inside, and voila! You now have a jaggity lantern that you can save! Over the years you can compare the current carvings from those of years past. This can be a FUN tradition that will provide you with autumn home décor for years to come!

These are my thoughts.