Halloween Kid Craft: Ghost Lanterns

These "ghostly' lanterns are a new take on traditional pumpkin Jack O' Lanterns.  Kids can't carve pumpkins, but they can certainly draw faces!  This craft is cheap, fun, quick, and easy!  It's sure to become a Halloween tradition! 

Tip:  These lanterns actually look pretty good lining a walkway.

What you'll need:

•  a gallon milk jug (plastic and washed clean)
• a permanent marker
• craft or hobby knife (or a pocket knife)
• a string of low-watt  clear holiday bulbs

Instructions:

• Have your kids draw spooky faces on the milk jug(s) with the permanent marker. Tip: If you leave the cap on the jug, the jug won't dent!
• Parents: take a craft knife and cut a silver dollar sized hole in the back of the jug. 
• Put the lights inside the jug (if you're using multiple jugs you can place them near each other and string the lights between them/inside them) and plug them in (or turn them on if battery operated)

Educational Stuff:

You can read some fun NC Ghost Stories if you click here. Kids can also create their own ghost stories at this site.

You can read about the history of the Jack O' Lantern if you click here.