Garden Ghouls for the Docile Decorator

Step away from the carving knife! We know that the spirit of Halloween might not feel the same without going Friday-the-13th on an unsuspecting pumpkin. But this year, make good with the gourds! We’re talking a little less violence, and a little more ingenuity. Try using unconventional materials! The Elfster team recently gave it a go, and came up with this rollicking gang of garden ghouls! Now, we admit, these guys are about as intimidating as a team of teacup poodles…but they’re also every bit as cute! Use a cornucopia of less popular grocery store finds, and you can craft a creepy crew of your own! Here’s how…

• Boniatos make beefy bodies for these little imps. With their irregular shape, and natural divots and dimples, it isn’t hard to picture these potato-like roots as tiny trolls!

• A Yellow Squash might not look appetizing with a case of the warts that would make a toad blush, but that very quality makes it all the better for Halloween decor. Just turn the squash upside down, and voila! A knobby stalk becomes a crooked nose. Half of the work is done for you!

• Baby Sweet Potatoes also make excellent schnozzles for these grubby grumps. And for lips that say “Boo!”, just cut a round sliver or two.

• Pearl Onions are truly nature’s “googly eyes” and should be used as such whenever possible. The roots look like natural pupils, but to enhance the surprised look, simply glue a black paper hole-punch in the middle.

• Mini Indian Corn Cobs, though hardly substantial enough to eat, sure make great teeth for these garden goblins. The husks can also be used to portray mischievous mustaches and eyebrows!

• Ginger Root really reaches out and grabs you when used as a pair of calloused “monster hands”. It will also make your gnomes look like they’ve dug themselves up from the grave!

• Finally, match sticks bring the whole project together. If you’re like us and can’t bear to bring a knife to your adorable creations, just use these tiny dowels to attach the parts.  (They also add a spark of whimsy to your little buddy’s custom-made propeller hat!)

This Halloween, for guilt-free decorating, take our advice.  Try your hand at no-knife crafting… And no one gets hurt!