Pumpkin Patterns #1

Pumpkin Patterns Examples and downloads to create your own Jack-o'-Lantern Faces Cut and Paste Crafts
Paper crafts make terrific and simple Halloween decorations that even toddlers can help put together. Children can design their own paper pumpkin faces to hang on bulletin boards or the refrigerator
There are options for "design your own" faces with different noses, mouths and eyes to mix and match or three pre-designed faces for children to cut and paste (for those with only one child who want to save a bit of time and paper). My girls and I like the "design your own" option!
These are not intended to create patterns for carving out real pumpkins. For ideas and templates for pumpkin carving, check out our Pumpkin Carving Patterns.
Materials:
printer,
paper,
scissors,
glue, and
something to colour with.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Print out the template(s) of choice (there's a "design your own" option and a pre-designed faces option)
the eyes and noses templates have 10 different sets each
the mouths/eyebrows template has 5 different sets (so you may want to print 2 of it if doing the craft with more than one child)
Colour pieces, as necessary.
Cut out the pieces. This step may require adult assistance. I usually let young children cut out the large pieces (like the pumpkin) and I cut out the smaller pieces
Set all the pieces out on the table and allow the children to design their pumpkins.
Once the child is happy with their face, they can glue their project together.
Options:
use the pumpkin template, but instead of the face pieces, provide each child with a piece of black construction paper and allow them to cut out their own eyes, nose and mouth.
Templates:
Select a pumpkin that is ripe, has no bruises, cuts or nicks. Do not carry a pumpkin by its stem; it may break, and do not bruise it as it will not last as long. For easy cleanup, place your pumpkin on several layers of newspaper before carving. Kids: have a parent or other adult cut a circle around the stem of the pumpkin for you. They should use a sharp knife with long, sturdy blade for best and safest results. Or, you can do it yourself with a safer, plastic "pumpkin carving" knife available at many supermarkets during the pumpkin season. Parents: knives are very sharp, so make sure that the proper supervision is maintained when the children carve their pumpkins.Make sure the hole is large enough to reach in and pull out the seeds and stringy membrane. The bottom of the pumpkin could also be cut off instead, this will allow the pumpkin to sit up straight and make removing the seeds easier! When cleaning out the pumpkin, use and old soup ladle to get out the seeds. Try carving a giant pumpkin, it is easier to carve than a regular pumpkin.Examine your pumpkin to determine the best place to carve his or her face. Draw an outline of a face on a plain sheet of white paper (use simple bold features), or print one of our handy Jack O'Lantern templates (samples of the templates surround these instructions - click on any of the images to go to the full-sized print-ready template). Tape your paper to the pumpkin where you want the face to be. Score the design onto the pumpkin by punching through the paper into the pumpkin with a large nail or pin.Carefully cut out the design following the holes that were "punched" with your plastic knife. When you are finished cutting, simply push out the pieces to view the final results. Now you're all set to light up your home on Halloween night! Have Fun!