Project

Shrunken Apple Heads

Source: Martha Stewart Living Television, 2007

Introduction

These shrunken heads, made from peeled, carved, and dried apples, are as spooky as the scariest Halloween masks -- and just as much fun to create. Martha transforms a Granny Smith apple into a truly frightening fruit; although any variety of apple will work, Granny Smiths are ideal for this project because of their round shape.

materials

Firm, unbruised apple, preferably Granny Smith

Knife

Marker or pencil

1 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon salt

Stick or branch

steps

Peel and core the apple.
Using a pencil or marker, draw facial features, including eyes, a nose, and a mouth, on the apple; be sure to draw the features large enough so they won't vanish when the apple shrinks.
Using the outlines as your guide, carve the apple to resemble a skull.
Combine lemon juice and salt in bowl. Soak the apple for 30 seconds. Pat dry.
Set the apple in a warm, dry spot; after several days, the apple will shrink, and the features will distort.
Insert a stick or branch into the bottom of the head and place it in a vase.