Pumpkin Creatures: Alligators and Snails
- For alligator: 4 large, oblong pumpkins
- Masking tape
To create the mouth, remove the stem from the first pumpkin and carve long, jagged teeth on either side. The feet are miniature pumpkins. Long creatures made of several pumpkins require a special technique.
Arrange pumpkins on their sides to mimic an alligator. Create a guide for cutting holes later by marking with a pen where each pumpkin touches the next.
Draw patterns on the pumpkins: Draw scales and teeth with a pen. Then number pumpkins with masking tape so you'll be able to reassemble them. Using pen marks as guides, make holes where pumpkins meet and at the end of the last pumpkin; scoop out insides.
Carve design: Carve along the lines on the alligator with a linoleum cutter.
Reassemble alligator: Connect its pumpkins with toothpicks.
The snail's body is a squat pumpkin turned on its side; his head is a round, spotted gourd.