Carve a Watermelon T Rex Dinosaur
T. Rex (Tyrannosaurus Rex), one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs that lived during the late Cretaceous period is still a popular symbol in our culture. This gorgeous watermelon T Rex is ideal for a child's party, a humorous addition to an office or home party, and as a great idea to take with you to a potluck or tailgate party. It also makes a fantastic centerpiece.
Steps
- You will need two watermelons.Wash both of the watermelons and cut a ¼ inch (6.35mm) slice off the bottom of the larger watermelon to give it stability when placed on a flat surface.
- Use a pen to sketch out the open mouth design as shown in the picture. Don't draw too far back on the jaw; it's important to leave enough rind at the back of the jaw to support the top of the head.
- Cut out the mouth section and then scoop out the fruit from this mouth area. When doing this, be gentle, so as to avoid cracking the newly shaped jaw.
- Hollow out the top of the head first to cut down on weight.
- Insert a large square of yellow watermelon inside the mouth to hold it open and support the top of the head. Don't overextend the jaw as this risks cracking the rind.
- Cut the eyebrows and nostrils from a piece of the other rind. Cut the eyebrows like crescent moons, and cut the nostrils in the shapes of inverted teardrops. Use the channel knife to create the details on the eyebrows and within the nostrils; see the picture for details .
- Hollow out the eyes using a melon baller. Cut all the way through the outside of the rind. Attach the eyebrows and nostrils to the head with either Make a Jumping Toothpick or a glue gun.
- Take the second melon (or any other other colorful fruit) and the leftover flesh from the dinosaur head piece, cut triangular shapes that mimic jagged teeth.
- Stuff these bite-sized pieces into the mouth of the dinosaur, filling in around the large square piece that is holding the mouth open.
- Cut the skewers into various lengths, taking care with the sharp end. Line the top and the bottom of the mouth with the shortened skewers, just inside of the rind, to create the teeth. Place them in with the pointed end facing out, and if needed, use pliers to help secure them in place.
- Finished.
Tips
- Instead of using toothpicks for teeth - which can be sharp and dangerous if the item will be enjoyed by small kids, cut the melon rinds into small triangles of varying sides and use toothpicks to secure them around the mouth; this makes for an impressive T-Rex toothy growl!
- Use the scooped out melon to make a watermelon snack, Donuts, Lemonade, Banana Split or a Grapefruit drink. Or, add peaches and make a delicious dessert to serve.
Warnings
- Pointed skewers are sharp; make sure that guests, especially young ones, use a long-handled serving tool to avoid having hands come in contact with the sharp skewers. You may even wish to remove a section of the skewer teeth prior to serving so the fruit can more easily be removed.
- Dinosaurs can be very scary, especially the T Rex. Do not leave near young children unattended.
Things You'll Need
- Round seedless watermelon
- Small yellow watermelon or other colorful fruit for slicing
- Channel knife (often found at the top of a vegetable peeler)
- 30 wooden skewers for teeth
- Toothpicks or hot glue gun
