Fall Art Projects Featuring Squash

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

06 Nov 2008 11:15 PM

The price of squash is so incredibly low right now; stores are practically giving them away. I wonder if store managers know that the unusually shaped gourds have uses beyond Halloween? Squashes, gourds and pumpkins are ideal for Thanksgiving decorating.

Don't believe me? Take a look at the following art projects (tailored for older children and adults) that will help transform your dull dining room table into a seasonal masterpiece.

Note: Adult supervision is recommended for the following crafts.

SQUASH GEESE

Your kids will have a blast carving ordinary squash into cute geese. Once the project is complete use the squash as a centerpiece surrounded by fall leaves and tree branches.

Materials:

Crookneck squash (find some with part of the stems attached-the stems will be the beaks)

Whole cloves

Fall leaves

Waxed paper and cardboard (for the display base)

Glue or tape

Sharp knife

Cutting board

Ice pick

Directions:

For the Head: Wash and dry all of your squash. Then, cut the stem of the squash at an angle to make it look like a beak.

Use an ice pick to make small holes-these will be the eye sockets. Then, insert a whole clove into each hole to make the eyes.

For the Body: Slice off the large, rounded end of the squash so that it will stand upright without tipping over.

For the Display: After you are done making several geese, cover the cardboard with waxed paper (use glue or tape to attach the wax paper to the cardboard). Place the gaggle of geese on the base, then surround them with fall leaves and small twigs.

SQUASH CANDLE HOLDERS

Materials:

Small squash (or a large apple may be substituted)

Paring knife

Spoon

Tea light candles (preferably the ones that have a metal case)

Soup bowl

Large plate

Twigs, leaves and dried flowers

Directions:

Square off the bottom of the squash so it will stand upright.

Cut off top of squash.

Using a paring knife or spoon, core the inside of the squash, leaving approximately 1/2-inch (1 cm) of flesh on all sides.

Cut abstract shapes (or other design of your choice) into the squash with the paring knife. The patterns will allow light from the tea lights to shine through.

Place the tea light inside squash.

Set the squash on top of an inverted bowl in the center of a large plate.

Arrange twigs, leaves and dried flowers around the bowl, but well away from the flame.

Presto--instant centerpiece!

Related Articles:

Decorations Using Acorn Squash

Fall Fun for Kids: Acorn Art Projects

Fun Fall Crafts for Preschoolers: Homemade Trees

More Ways to Have Fun with Fall Leaves

Autumn Crafts for Kids: Fun with Leaves

How to Make a Unique Fall Wreath with Your Kids

Seasonal Decorating-Getting Your Home Ready For Fall

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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