How to

Shrunken Apple Heads

  1. How-To

Shrunken Apple Heads

Making your own Halloween decorations can be a fun activity for the whole family. Shrunken apple heads are not only easy to make, but they are also economical. Follow our simple instructions on how to create these shrivelled heads and see who comes up with the spookiest faces. 

  • For each apple head you will need: 

    • 1 cooking apple 
    • 1 cup lemon juice 
    • 1 tsp salt 
    • Small paring knife or sculpting tools 
    • 2 whole cloves 

     

    Directions: 

    1.  Wash and peel the apple but do not remove the stem. 
    2. Mix lemon juice and salt in a large enough container to hold the apple completely under the juice mixture. This mixture can be used to make more than one apple head. 
    3. Using a paring knife, deeply score the facial features you want. Do NOT cut through to the center of the apple.  
    4. Dip apple in lemon juice mixture for about 10 seconds, making sure the entire apple is covered.  Remove from liquid. Place apple in a cool, dry place and allow to dry for 2 weeks. Rotate the apple head once a day to allow air circulation on all sides or tie a string to the stem and hang it.
    5. When FULLY dry, place cloves in eyes. Placing cloves in eyes before the head is fully dry will slow down the drying process. 
    6. Decorate as desired when dry. Show off your shrunken heads by hanging in windows or trees.