Property of The Entertaining House

I'm reposting one of my favorite crafts. This was a project I would do with the children when they were very young. I know many of you still have very young children and I wanted to share this with you. It's perfect for a young child who doesn't have much dexterity or attention span as it can be a fairly quick project. Of course, for the older set, you can get as creative and detailed as you wish. What's more is that this fun craft couldn't be more simple and the end result is spectacular. What's best is that children of all ages (2+) will delight in making their own Jack-O-Lantern Luminary.

You can find most of the necessary tools in your home, and if not at your local arts and crafts store, drug store and florist.

You'll need one small and inexpensive floral vase. Check your basements and attics. These are the kinds that Teleflora send their smaller floral bouquets in. You may find that you have dozens of these! These can be found at flower shops, craft shops and your floral department in your grocery store for about a dollar.

You'll also need a large paint brush (per person). I actually prefer the foam variety for this craft.

You'll need some orange tissue paper that you will cut up into squares and some black construction paper cut into three triangles.

Finally you will need some Mod Podge or other craft glue that dries clear and acts as a glue as well as a varnish.

Directions:

Using your brush paint a section of the vase with your craft glue. Paste the cut out pieces of orange tissue over the glue making sure that there is no clear glass showing through. It is fine for the tissue paper to overlap. It makes a really pretty effect. Paint over all the tissue paper again with the glue. When the vase is covered with tissue paper and glue apply the three black triangles so that they resemble two eyes and a mouth. Paint over those as well. Let dry overnight.

When your luminary is dried you can either place a small tea light in the center or a battery operated votive.

Note: Your fingers will get dirty and glue-y and sticky. This is fine. This is perfect to ensure that every piece of tissue paper is properly covered. Your younger child (2 or 3 year old) may only have the patience to cover half of the vase so you may want to finish it up for him.

Happy Hauntings!