Pirate Squash Bucklers 

Pirate Squash Bucklers 

Create a shipload of pirates for your Halloween mantle by varying the size and kind of squashes you gather for this craft.
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Somewhere in your home or backyard, you will probably find the rest of the elements you need for the project.

Materials 


  • Downloaded eye patches, mustaches, eyes, buckles (print 2 copies)
  • Printer
  • 2 sheets paper (glossy)
  • Scissors
  • Large acorn squash (fresh or artificial), for captain (various sizes for other characters)
  • 2 rubber bands (1 wide, 1 thin)
  • Black permanent magic marker
  • Glue or double-sided tape
  • 1 bandanna (plaid handkerchief, socks, etc.)
  • 2 acorns per character (for feet)
  • Key ring (for earring) or real hoop earring
  • Wooden skewers (used for shish kabob)

Optional
  • Real eye patch
  • 1 thick stem (for peg leg)
  • Miniature wooden treasure chest (or small candy box)
  • Gypsy jewelry such as pearls or hanging pendant
  • Gold or silver foil-wrapped chocolate coins
  • Straw

Instructions 

step 1Download template for eye patches, mustaches, eyes and buckles.
step 2Load your printer with the two sheets of paper and print templates.
step 3Using scissors, cut out the templates. There are several sets of eyes, mustaches, eye patches, and buckles. Before pasting them onto the squash, spread them out on a table and mix and match to find the expression you like.
step 4Using a black permanent marker, color a wide rubber band, and wait a few minute for it to dry. Then stretch it around the middle of the squash. Pick a belt buckle you downloaded, cut it out, and glue or tape it to the rubber band at "waist level."
step 5Attach your chosen eyes and mustache in the same way. Choose an eye patch and attach it. You can also stretch the thin rubber band (blackened with a permanent marker) around the head as the strap of the eye patch. (You can use a real cloth eye patch instead of the paper one. Make sure it stretches enough to fit around the squash.
step 6Tie the bandanna on the top of the squash. If you are using socks, cut off the toe and fold into shape.
step 7To make the feet, cut a wooden skewer down to 2 inches and stick it into an acorn. Repeat with another acorn. Then insert the other end of the skewers straight up into the bottom of the squash and situate the squash on top so that it can rest on a flat surface. Jiggle to adjust.
step 8Hang over the bandanna any other jewelry that a gypsy pirate might wear, or stick in a dangling pierced earring on one side.
comments (2)
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recent comments
10/3/2008 , 
Betty  H.
I really like this craft idea, my grandson is 4 1/2, and this seems like fun for the two of us to do together. And of course, the gourds are plentiful right now!
8/25/2008 , 
Kay  O.
What an ADORABLE idea for the holidays! I will surely do this for Halloween. My niece and nephew will love it!

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