The orange balloon-shape calyxes of Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) make perfect stand-ins for pumpkins in these fun decorations. To complete the look, glue on a face and attach a leaf or two.
Cut off a 5-inch segment from a Chinese lantern branch with 1 calyx at top; cut off extra calyxes along length if necessary (these can be glued to bare stems).
Photocopy face and leaf templates; cut out. Trace face onto black paper and leaves onto green paper; cut out.
Step 3
Glue face and 1 or 2 leaves to calyx using paintbrush. Coil wire around a pencil to create a tendril; cut off excess, and wrap coil around lantern top (optional).
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