Halloween would hardly be Halloween without carving a jack-o-lantern. But doing the same thing year after year can start to get boring. Here are a few tips and tricks that will spice up your old Halloween routine, make pumpkin carving easier, and help you create awesome new designs in minutes.
Try Cutting the Hole in the Bottom
However you’re planning on carving your pumpkin, you’ll start by making a circular hole. Nearly everyone makes the hole on the top of the pumpkin around the stem. But if you cut it at the bottom of the pumpkin, your finished jack-o-lantern will be a lot more stable. Now you won’t have to worry about it rolling down your front steps or getting knocked over every time the wind blows.
Try Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
When you scoop out the innards of the pumpkin, consider what you could do with the seeds. Most people simply throw them out, but they’re really wasting what could be a tasty and nutritious snack. It doesn’t take much time or effort to make roasted pumpkin seeds, and you’re reducing waste in the process.
Try Using Pumpkin Stencils
It’s easy to make professional looking jack-o-lanterns with the help of pumpkin stencils. Retail stores sell pumpkin carving kits that include stencils during the fall season, but the Internet also gives you a wide selection of stencils to choose from. There are stencils to suit all tastes, so whether your teenager wants a scary Halloween jack-o-lantern or your child wants to showcase their love of their favorite Disney character you can easily find an appropriate stencil. It doesn't even have to be Halloween-specific, as there are many autumn-themed stencils featuring vines and fall leaves. Some online stencils are free and some aren’t, so make sure to check before downloading anything.
Try Making Your Own Stencils
You can even custom design your own totally unique stencil if you wish. All you need to do is sketch or trace an appropriately-sized design on a piece of paper, tape it to your pumpkin, and use a knife or screwdriver to poke holes along all the lines. You’ve effectively transferred your design to the pumpkin surface; now all you need to do is play connect-the-dots with a sharp carving knife.
These tips and tricks on carving your pumpkin should give you a new way to celebrate Halloween this year. Just remember to be careful if you’re carving with young children present, and always provide age-appropriate supervision.
 |
