The presentation demonstrates how to make a jack-o-lantern from an orange that is safe for use around kids and pets, and gives many related tips. Orange jack-o-lanterns are quick and easy to make, they don’t need any special tools and the removed innards are delicious to eat straight away without cooking. These lanterns can be used any time of year for party decorations or for mood lighting, but are especially suited to the Halloween and Christmas festive seasons.

1. How to Make a Safe (Candle-Free)
Orange Jack-o-Lantern
Sarah Innins
sarahinnins.com

2. Assemble the Tools:
Large orange
Chopping board
Spoon
Sharp pointy knife
Scissors
Grapefruit knife (optional)
Ballpoint pen
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3. • Do not use candles or tea-lights
inside the orange jack-o-lantern.
• Use LED tea lights (battery or
rechargeable). These lights are
safer to use around children and
pets, they can be left
unattended, and they will last
longer and won’t blow out in a
draft like traditional candles.
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SAFETY TIPS:

4. NEXT: Draw the face design with the
ballpoint pen.
TIPS:
• Check the balance of the
orange and find the best side.
• Make allowance for the lid.
• Don’t position the mouth too
low down – the orange will sag
a little when the flesh is
removed and the orange dries
out.
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5. NEXT: Cut off the lid.
TIPS:.
• A smoke vent is not needed
when using an LED light
• Use zig-zag design, if
preferred.
• The top could be used as a
base for another light, if
preferred.
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6. NEXT:
Remove all the flesh with
grapefruit knife and/or spoon.
TIPS:
• Collect juice frequently and
save the flesh for a snack
or for cooking/baking .
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7. NEXT:
Use a knife and/or scissors to
cut out the facial features.
TIPS:
• Change the angle of the cut
to control how much white
pith is visible around the
features.
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8. NEXT: FINAL ASSEMBLY:
Wipe down the orange and
add the lighting.
TIPS:
• Place a small circle of foil in
the bottom of the orange to
protect the light from
residual moisture.
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9. TIP:
• Make the orange jack-o-lanterns
just before you need to display
them – they start to dry up
quickly and change shape.
• Try this technique with other
fruit like grapefruit or melons.
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VOILA! An attractive and safe orange jack-o-lantern that can be
used at Halloween, Christmas, or any time of year.

10. SAFETY TIP:
• Keep children safe from
potential fires and burn
injuries at Halloween -
always use LED tea lights or
LED candles inside
traditional pumpkin jack-o-
lanterns.
Sarah Innins
sarahinnins.com
Learn more:
sarahinnins.com/halloween
Get your children in the mood for
Halloween with this fun, spooky
illustrated story by Sarah Innins