Pumpkin Seed Art

WHAT YOU NEED

• 1 package (10 oz.) of dried, unsalted pumpkin seeds
• Food coloring kit
• White vinegar
• Several small paper cups
• Measuring spoons
• Fork
• Wax paper
• 11 x 14-inch sheet of poster board
• White glue
• Pencil
   

HOW TO DO IT

• Cover a flat work surface with newspaper.
  
  
• Let your child choose one of the illustrations above and help to sketch it onto a sheet of poster board.
  
  
• Set the poster board aside and prepare the dried pumpkin seeds for dying.
  
  
• Set several small paper cups out on the work surface and fill each halfway full with warm water.
  
  
• Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and a few drops of different colored food coloring to each filled cup.
  
  
• Sprinkle a small handful of pumpkin seeds into each cup and let them sit until they have reached the color intensity you desire.
  
  
• Scoop the seeds out of the cups using a fork and spread them on a sheet of wax paper to dry.  The drying time takes several hours.  If this is an afternoon project, you should let them dry overnight.
  
  
• Once the dyed seeds are dry, set the poster board on the work surface along with the craft glue.
  
  
• Your child can now create a pumpkin seed masterpiece by glueing the seeds within the drawing that was sketched on the poster board.

TIPS

• If you decide to use fresh pumpkin seeds instead of packaged seeds, you will need to prepare them before you dye them.
  
  
  • Carefully wash the seeds to remove the strings and pulp.
    
    
  • Arrange them on a baking sheet.
    
    
  • Place the baking sheet either in direct sunlight until they are dry, or in a warm oven (250 or below) for 3 to 4 hours.  If you are drying the seeds in the oven, stir them often to avoid scorching

FOLLOW UP FUN

• Roasting pumpkin seeds is another Autumn/Halloween activity that you and your child can do together! They are not only fun to make but are rich in fiber as well as Vitamin B and E.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

WHAT YOU NEED

• 1 ½ cups pumpkin seeds  
• 1 teaspoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• Salt to taste
• Small mixer bowl
• Baking sheet

HOW TO DO IT

• Preheat oven to 300 F.
  
  
• CLEAN strings and pulp from the pumpkin seeds (don’t worry if you can’t remove it all).
  
  
• TOSS the seeds in a mixer bowl with the oil and salt.
  
  
• SPREAD the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  
  
• (PARENTS ONLY) BAKE for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.