Carving a pumpkin can be as easy as sticking a paring knife in the pumpkin and then just frees-styling your own design. It can also be a big mess and the face may not come out great. If you do a little planning your carved Halloween pumpkin can turn out great!
1. Choose the right pumpkin. A large pumpkin with a sturdy stem and a flat base is ideal. Large pumpkins are easier to handle and carve, and a sturdy stem is a sign of a healthy pumpkin that will last longer. Be sure to examine your pumpkin from top to bottom, and avoid ones with soft spots and bruises.
2. Use the right tools. These days, many great tools are available for both kids and adults. A boning knife or serrated knife works well for carving your pumpkin. An ice cream scoop or melon baller works well for removing the pumpkin seeds, and a curved rubber scraper is perfect for cleaning the inside walls nicely. For kids, you may want to purchase a carving tool set especially designed for them.
Pumpkin Carving Supplies List
- boning knife or serrated knife
- ice cream scoop or melon baller
- curved rubber scraper
- carving tool set
- stencils
- Exacto knife
- Realistic Flameless Tea Lights
3. Cut the lid. The first thing you will want to do is to create a lid by cutting at a 45-degree angle so it does not fall into the pumpkin when you place it back on top. Cut the lid in a zig zag shape or cut off the back or bottom. The choice is based on what you want your finished Halloween pumpkin to look like.
4. Scoop the goop. Remove all the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin with an ice cream scooper or melon baller. Set the seeds aside and roast them later for a healthy snack! Once the seeds are removed, scrape the walls with the rubber scraper. If you carve a pattern in the front, try to scrape the back of the pumpkin as smoothly as possible because it will be visible through your carved design and will reflect the light.
5. Draw and carve. Draw the face or trace a design using a template or stencils to achieve your desired design. Your design can be scary, grotesque, or funny. Consider using a dry erase marker so you can easily wipe off mistakes. If you are a beginner, start with a simple design. Use a small paring knife or Exacto knife for more detailed designs. Make slow, gentle cuts that go straight up and down, not at an angle. More experienced carvers may use drills and electric carving knifes.
Add flameless tea lights and you’re ready to party!
Get more pumpkin carving and Halloween pumpkin party ideas from fix.com
Source: Fix.com Blog
Bonus Tip: If you don’t want to carve your pumpkin and plan on using it to make pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, try adding paper cutouts or stickers to make the face instead of carving your Halloween pumpkin.
Want To Make Your Halloween Pumpkin Last Longer?
You can preserve your pumpkin to make it last longer by spraying or soaking your pumpkin in bleach or cold water. After you soak it, make sure to dry it completely to avoid mold. As an added preservative, apply petroleum jelly to the cuts. When you are finished carving, sprinkle a little cinnamon on the bottom of the lid or base of the pumpkin to make it smell like pumpkin pie!
