Guest Author - Kelly Patey

If you’re looking for a fun and easy kids Halloween craft that would double as an excellent Halloween decoration, this is a great activity for the whole family. Below is a list of what you will need to create glowing jack-o-lanterns using easy papier mache techniques.

• Balloons of all shapes and sizes
• orange tissue paper
• yellow tissue paper
• flour
• water
• paintbrush
• empty jar or coffee mug
• utility knife
• battery operated lights

The first step in preparing this easy kids Halloween craft, is to make the paste for the papier mache. Combine 1 cup of water with 1/4 cup of flour. Stir until the flour has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and runny. Add the mixture to 5 cups of gently boiling water and boil for 2-3 minutes. Allow the paste to cool before using.

While the mixture is cooling, cut strips of yellow and orange tissue paper into 1/4" wide by 12" long strips. Cover your work space with a disposable plastic table cloth or garbage bags to prevent staining and color transfer from the tissue paper.

Next, blow up a balloon and rest it on the empty jar or coffee mug to create an easy-to-use work space. With your paintbrush, apply a light coating of paste to a small area of the balloon. Lay a strip of orange tissue paper over the paste and smooth it out by applying a second layer of paste over top. Continue pasting strips of overlapping tissue until you have covered the balloon with two layers of orange and two layers of yellow strips of tissue paper.

Allow your balloon to rest on the jar to dry over night.

When the outer shell has completely hardened, pop the balloon by cutting a small hole above the knot. With a small utility knife, cut a 3" diameter hole in the top and bottom of the shell (the bottom hole is to help the pumpkin sit without rolling) and remove the pieces of deflated balloon. Next, use your knife to “carve” your pumpkin’s face.

Insert battery operated lights and watch your creation glow!!

This is more than just a super simple kids Halloween craft - it is also an inexpensive way to add a festive touch to any room of your house. Another great use for these papier mache jack-o-lanterns, is to use them as luminaries to line your drive or walkway on Halloween night.

For more kids Halloween crafts or homemade decorating ideas, these are a few resources I recommend: