Jack O'Lantern Legend

By Barbara Crews, About.com Guide

If you want a few authentic pieces to go with your antique Halloween collectibles, how about carving a turnip? Yes, it was a very interesting interesting project to do. After reading how turnip was given to Jack in Ireland, I had to give it a try.

1. A rutabaga was used instead of turnip, the ones found at a local market are a little bigger and a bit easier to carve.
2. Slice off the top to be used for the lid.
3. A Sharpie outlined the few facial features on the small vegetable, because of the size, I decided not to get too carried away.
4. A small knife was used to cut away the inside of the vegetable, a slow process. Be sure to cut out enough so that a small battery tea light candle can sit securely.
5. The Martha Stewart website suggests using a melon baller, but I'm not sure it would be sharp enough, as the vegetable is very dense.
6. A very sharp, small pointed knife cut away the facial features. A craft knife could also be used here.
7. I outlined the outside of the mouth and eyes with a Sharpie to give the more definition.
8. A candle made it look great and now I'm ready to create a few more when it gets closer to Halloween.

These would be terrific nestled on the food table at a Halloween party.

Next >> Vegetables and Halloween

Previous

• The Legend of the Jack O Lantern
• Creating a Turnip Jack O'Lantern
• Using Harvest Vegetables for Halloween

Next