A PUMPKIN TOTEM POLE [attachmentid=108]

This is a great way to decorate very large flower pots where the plants have died for the season (leave the dead plant for extra scare effect) and put the pole in the center. Or you will need some place outside where the pole can be put in the ground, the pole needs to be able to support the weight of all the pumpkins and still stand straight up.

Materials you will need:

One long pole (5 feet or higher) depending on how many children, since each pumpkin will be placed on top of each, on the stick to make the totem pole. More poles maybe needed.

One pumpkin per child (and adults)

One carving tool per child

One bowl for the seeds per child (great to make pumpkin seeds to eat)
fun hair if desire, and a hat for the top if desire.

One battery operated light for inside the pumpkin (remember you need to be able to put it in and take it out to turn it on and off through the mouth) glow sticks could be used if you want to light the totem pole for one night.

What to do:

Remove the stem top of the pumpkin by cutting a big enough hole to put your hand inside to clean it (put the top to the side for now). Cut a small hole on the bottom only big enough to fit on the pole.

Remove the pumpkin insides and seeds into the bowl.

Design and cut out the pumpkin's face.

With construction paper you can cut out extra details for your jack-o-lanterns now, use toothpicks to attach them. You can use construction paper or yarn for the hair.

You can also use food items like marshmallows or Cheerios, and raisins to decorate with. Anything goes!

When everyone is done with their jack-o-lanterns it is time to build the totem pole. Stack the largest ones on the bottom and work your way up with the smallest one. That is the one you put the top back on, and add a hat (like a witches hat).

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We would love to hear your stories about the totem pole and any pictures to take.