Aside from Trick-or-Treating,  pumpkin carving has to be the second most favorite Halloween pastime. But who says you have to settle for the orange squash when there are so many other varieties to choose from?  Why not try small squashes like butternut or root vegetables such as turnips or acorn squash? Stay away from gourds, as they have very tough skins and are difficult to carve.

Materials:

Assorted squashes

Pumpkin carving tools or X-Acto knife

Melon baller or ice cream scoop

Twine

Metal skewer

Proceed as you would to carve a pumpkin.  Leave a shell of at least 1/4 inch thick  If you want to hang your lanterns as decorations, use a metal skewer to pierce a small hole on each side of the face. Thread a piece of twine through each hole and knot from the inside. Cut to desired length. Place a piece of aluminum foil at the bottom of the squash and a votive candle on top of it. Light carefully. Hang your creations from trees or lamp posts.