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What you need:

• large ripe pumpkin
• couple of sharp sawing knives (different sizes)
• sharp skewer (or knitting needle)
• large spoon for scooping
• tea light

Cut the top off the pumpkin to create your lid.  Pierce a neat hole in the lid, large enough to allow candle smoke to escape.  Next, scoop out the seeds and fibrous content of the pumpkin body, leaving about 2.5 cm of flesh on the insides.  Draw your design on the outside, and then prick the outline with a sharp skewer.  (You can sketch some ideas out on paper first).  Join up the 'dots' by using a sharp serrated knife to carve out your design.

Place your tea light in the centre of the pumpkin, light and pop on the lid for your eerie lantern to be complete!  You can dry the seeds in a low oven and toast them for a tasty snack later.

Safety: Use extreme caution, protective gloves, safety glasses and aprons when using knives as hands may become slippery.  Knives, matches and candles should be kept away from children and pets.  Locate the lantern in a safe place and do not leave your lighted lantern unattended at any time.  Keep candles and lanterns away from curtains and other sources of ignition.  These instructions are given in good faith and no liability is accepted for injury, loss or damage caused by following (or not following) the recipe or advice we have provided.  Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult and should not be allowed to use dangerous equipment.