Recycled Jack O' Lanterns: a Fun and Inexpensive Seasonal Craft



Photo courtesy of Jane Kernen

Looking for a seasonal craft that is both fun and inexpensive? Well, I have just the idea for you: Recycled Jack O' Lanterns! These adorable pumpkin-like creations are made using your old pasta jars. Not only are they fun to make, but they can be used in a variety of ways: Halloween-themed event decor/centerpieces, out in front of your home in place of or mixed in with your real pumpkins or along a windowsill in your home, showcasing the fun candle-lit faces to those passing by. Best of all, these creations can be packed away with all of your Halloween or fall-inspired seasonal decor and used year after year!

Items Needed:
Glass jars(s)
Orange tissue paper
Black construction paper
Green acrylic paint or green tissue paper
Paint brush
Decoupage glue
Scissors

Ready, Set, Create:
Cut orange tissue paper into strips or tear into small pieces. Strips will give you a uniform look, while small pieces will give you a mosaic look.

Hold the jar with one hand (preferably with the hand either inside the jar or holding the rim). With the other hand, apply the decoupage glue to the outside of the jar in sections using a medium-sized paint brush. After you apply the glue to a specific section, apply the strips of tissue paper to the glue and continue around the jar in that manner. Once the entire jar is covered with tissue paper, apply one more thin layer of glue over the tissue paper, coating the entire jar.

Allow the jar to dry. While you are waiting for the jar to dry, use the black construction paper to create the face. Once the orange tissue paper is dry, apply the face in the same manner using the decoupage glue.
This last step is optional: use the green acrylic paint and apply a coat to the rim of the jar or use pieces of green tissue paper and decoupage glue. The rim can also be left clear.
Set the jar aside for 24 hours to allow it to dry totally, after your last application of glue. Once your jar is dry and ready, place either a tea-light candle, battery operated tea-light candle or a string of white twinkle lights (best used with multiple jars) to give your recycled Jack O' Lantern a soft glow.

Using this fun and inexpensive craft, you can create a great Halloween decor item while being green! For more information on eco-friendly party ideas, check out ways to make your next party eco-friendly by Dana Brown of Simply Sweets.

Kate Sepe joins Let's Party Magazine.com as the Event Trends Blogger with a background in nonprofit event planning and management. Kate is currently a Special Events Manager with the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. Kate is a board member with the International Special Events Society (ISES) of Arizona. She expresses a true love and passion for the event industry and is thankful for the opportunity to share unique ideas and popular trends with readers.