What do you need?
a turnip
a sharp knife
a melon ball cutter
a pen
2 gouges
cutting pliers
piece of wire
optional:
a stick
a paperclip
This year we are hollowing out a turnip in the traditional way, tomorrow it is Martenmas. This is a precise job with sharp tools so it must be done by an adult. You also have to have a lot of patience for it! For the children, the fun only begins when they can go outside in the twilight singing with their lantern. Isn't that a beautiful sight in the dark...
How to make a Martinmas lantern
Cut the bottom straight.
Cut a zigzag around the top
That's how you saw off a lid.
Hollow out the turnip.
Make the wall +/- 1cm thick.
Draw figures on the outside wall.
Cut out the figures using a gouge.
Check now and then if the light shines through.
We cut a cricle out of the lid on top.
Otherwise the tealight will burn a hole in it.
Wrap the turnip in a moist tea towel.
Keep the turnip in the vegetable drawer in the refrigerator until tomorrow
Day 2
Unwrap the turnip and poke in holes.
Put in the tealight or a beeswax candle.
Lace the wire through the holes.
Stick and glue a paperclip in the stick.
Now we light the candle and we wait for the dark.
Wishing you lots of fun tonight!