Welcome your guests and trick-or-treaters with your own hand-carved creation. It's easy to do with tools you have around the house or you can purchase inexpensive pumpkin carving kits
Best Pumpkins for Carving:
Look for a smooth, unbruised and even colored pumpkin. These features make the best jack-o-lanterns. Smaller, lighter pumpkins are easier for children to carve. Remember to carry the pumpkin by the "belly," and not the stem; carrying it by the stem can cause it to break. Make sure there is no mold on the pumpkin, as it will decay quickly.
Tools:
- A Medium Serrated knive and a Small paring knife
- Ice Cream Scoop or Large, Solid Spoon
- Petroleum Jelly
- Templates (Hand-drawn or purchased)
- Nails
- Tape
To start:
- Cut off the top of the pumpkin with the serrated knife, slicing at a 90 degree angle. Cut a notch at the back of the lid, a little triangle, so that you can replace the top with ease.
- Scoop out the insides, being careful to leave the "walls" of the jack-o-lantern at least an inch and a half thick.
- Flatten and scrape the inside bottom of the pumpkin so that your candle will set level
Once your pumpkin is hollowed, wipe the outside dry and clean the inside, making sure all the goop and seeds are gone.
Design:
Free-form carving is fine, some people choose to cut out circles or swirls or even carve a face with no stencil. But if you want to get fancy, draw your design on a piece of paper and tape it to the pumpkin. Leave at least 1/2 inch border around the design for stability. Use the nails to tap holes into the design. Many stencils can be found online for free at sites like www.pumpkinmasters.com.
Carve:
Use the small serrated paring knife and carefully carve along the nail holes of the design, connecting the dots. Start in the center and work out, being careful not to put too much pressure on the areas you have already carved. Work slowly. Allow pieces to fall into the center of the pumpkin until you're done carving.
Hint: Mis-cuts and broken pieces can be mended by sticking pieces together with toothpicks.
Finally, rub the cut areas of your creation with petroleum jelly to help it stay fresh longer.
If you use a real candle, make sure to cut a hole on the upper, back part of the pumpkin. This will allow the candle's heat to escape. Illuminating your jack-o-lantern with flameless tea lights is a safe way to light up your art and make it last longer, too.
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