Pumpkin Carving
I started carving pumpkins by myself when I was in middle school. I remember taking my time to get it just right and being so proud of my work. In 8th grade I entered a Jack-o-lantern contest at school and won! One of my teachers liked it so much he asked to bring it home. It was a carving of a cat's face. It took a while to complete but with a pattern and the right tools it wasn't all that hard to make. I let him take it and then I made another one for my house. :)
The pumpkin in the intro photo is a unicorn carving. My daughter was dressing up as a unicorn for Halloween and wanted our pumpkin to match. I guess it's a cross between a pegasus and a unicorn, since it has wings. ;)
Tips, tools and patterns to help you carve your Jack-o-lantern. I hope this lens gives you some great ideas for Halloween.
Contents at a Glance
Carve-O-Lantern
These were the two patterns mentioned above. The cat and the unicorn.
Carve-O-Lantern: A Unique Way to Carve Your Halloween Pumpkins
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008) 
List Price:
Used Price: $2.01
Basic carving tools
Signature Brands Llc 0510024 Pumpkin Carving Kit
Pumpkin Masters is the brand that I trust. Their tools are well made and last a long time when taken care of.
Amazon Price: $6.25 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Pumpkin Masters Family Carving Kit
Another option from Pumpkin Masters.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $9.99
Dremel 764-04 Pumpkin Carving Kit includes 6-Volt Minimite Cordless Rotary Tool and 10 Templates
Hey...it's a "power" tool for pumpkin carving. Dads will love it.
Amazon Price: $25.75 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $44.20
Usually ships in 24 hours
Paper Magic Group Halloween Pumpkin Carving Tool Punch Wheel
This small saw is recommended for ages 9 and up.
Amazon Price: $2.49 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Pumpkin Masters CD Pattern Maker Kit
Comes with 2 saws, 1 poker and 1 scoop.
PC and Mac compatible CD-ROM with 20 Pumpkin Masters patterns and mix & match features and scenes to create your own pattern.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Time to start!
The first three steps.
Step #1: Picking out your stencil.If you want to create a detailed Jack O'Lantern you'll want to use a stencil. You can buy them, print out free stencils, or draw your own by hand or on your computer.
Step #2: Cutting the top of the pumpkin.
As you cut, angle the knife in toward the center of the pumpkin so the lid you are creating will have something to rest on. I cut in a circle but like to add a square notched "key" in the lid so it can always be put back in the right position.
Step #3: Cleaning out the pumpkin.
Remove all of the pulp from inside the pumpkin. Separate the seeds into a bowl if you want to roast pumpkin seeds. I love pumpkin seeds! Make sure to scrape the inside of the pumpkin as clean as you can. Wipe down the outside when you are finished.
Looking for Free Patterns?
- Pumpkin Masters
- Pumpkin Masters created the first pumpkin carving kit. Their site offers carving tips, free patterns, pumpkin recipes, contests and more.
- The Pumpkin Wizard
- This site has over 500 patterns, 300 of them are free. They also have a bulletin board set up for people to ask questions and share ideas.
- Jack-O-Lantern.com
- Jack-O-Lantern.com has all kinds of nifty stuff to look through...including a number of free patterns. You can also find out how to create personalized portrait carving patterns.
- Stoneykins.com
- This site is devoted to the art of pumpkin carving. They have over 80 Free patterns to choose from.
- Pumpkin Simulator
- Ok, this site won't help you with your real pumpkins, but it's fun to carve a simulated one too.
- Yes We Carve
- Download, carve & share your Barack O' Lantern.
What's next?
Step #4: Transfering the image onto the pumpkin.Tape the stencil to the face of the pumpkin. Start at the top, then the bottom and end at the sides. You may have to fold the stencil a bit to get it to fit the shape of your pumpkin. That's ok just try to make the creases where the pattern will be the least effected.
Using a poker tool, follow around your pattern in 1/8th inch intervals by pressing the tip into the pumpkin. You are creating the guidelines to cut later with a saw. Make sure to mark every corner and use enough pressure to pierce the pumpkins skin. You'll need to be able to see the marks clearly so you know exactly where to cut. When you finish with the stencil carefully remove it so you can refer back to it if need be.
Kits from Disney
Pirates of the Caribbean Pumpkin-Carving Kit
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $14.99
Usually ships in 2-3 business days
Halloween Disney Pumpkin Carving Kit
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Disney Princess Pumpkin Carving Kit
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $11.88 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $16.77
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Patterns from Disney
Disney Princess Pumpkin Carving Stencil Book Halloween Accessory (B134)
Includes 7 Disney Princess themed patterns.
Amazon Price: $9.50 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Disney Winnie the Pooh Pumpkin Carving Kit
Includes 10 patterns, 2 saws, 2 scoops, and 2 drill utensils.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Paper Magic Group Halloween Disney Fairies Pumpkin Carving Pattern Book
6 Disney Fairies patterns includingTinkerbell of course!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Disney Movie Magic: Pumpkin Carving Pattern Booklet
Booklet includes patterns for characters from Disney movies like Cars, The Lion King, Toy Story, Lilo & Stitch, Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo and more.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Paper Magic Group Halloween Pirates of the Carribean Disney Pumpkin Stencil Kit
Includes 7 Pirates of the Caribbean themed patterns.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Hard to find Disney Carving Kits
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Finishing up
The final 3 steps
Step #5: Carving the Jack O'Lantern.Start with the smallest shape that will be removed. Using a small carving saw, push the tip of the blade into the pumpkin and start following the dots. Use short back and forth sawing motions. Don't rush and pay close attention to corners. Gently push out the pieces you cut. Make sure the check the inside of the pumpkin when you are finished and clean out any pieces that have fallen in.
Step #6: Protecting the Jack O'Lantern.
When I'm done carving the pumpkin I coat all of the cut surfaces with petroleum jelly. I don't do the inside, but if you want to keep your Jack O'Lantern for a while it is best to coat the inside as well. This helps keep the pumpkin from drying out too soon. You don't want a shriveled up moldy pumpkin right away after all of your hard work!
Step #7: Mmm Mmm Good
If you have cinnamon handy sprinkle some on the underside of the lid. When the candle is lit and it warms up the pumpkin your jack-o'-lantern will smell like pumpkin pie.
Patterns for football fans
New England Patriots Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six New England Patriots patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Topperscot Philadelphia Eagles Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six Philadelphia Eagles patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $14.99
Topperscot Atlanta Falcons Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six Atlanta Falcons patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $14.99
New York Jets Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six New York Jets patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Complete Halloween PUMPKIN CARVING KIT (Carving Patterns, Carving Saw, Scoop, Glue Stick, & Stencils)
Comes with six San Francisco 49ers patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
Patterns for baseball fans
Boston Red Sox Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six Boston Red Sox patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $9.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
New York Mets Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six New York Mets patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $9.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
New York Yankees Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six New York Yankees patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $9.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Chicago Cubs Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six Chicago Cubs patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $9.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Chicago White Sox Pumpkin Carving Kit
Comes with six Chicago White Sox patterns, glue stick, carving tool, and pumpkin scoop.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $9.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
What about those mini pumpkins?
Halloween Host Mini Pumpkin Decorating Kit with Book - Pumpkin Masters
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price:
You can decorate those too!
Kit Includes:
1 corer tool for creating the perfect hole for votives or tea lights
Mini sculpting tool for inscribing designs -
2 metallic crayons
1 stencil sheet
1 poker / drill for embedding colorful beads into pumpkins
35 beads
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Books on the subject
Pumpkin Carving
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $6.95
Used Price: $1.89
Extreme Pumpkin Carving: 20 Amazing Designs from Frightful to Fabulous
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $14.95
Used Price: $8.93
Usually ships in 24 hours
Extreme Pumpkins: Diabolical Do-It-Yourself Designs to Amuse Your Friends and Scare Your Neighbors
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $13.95
Used Price: $1.22
Usually ships in 24 hours
Extreme Pumpkins II: Take Back Halloween and Freak Out a Few More Neighbors
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $9.92 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $13.95
Used Price: $5.74
Usually ships in 24 hours
Great Pumpkins: Crafty Carvings for Halloween
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $14.95
Used Price: $1.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Pumpkin Carving Tool Box
Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit
$3.99
15 piece set includes:
5 stencils, 2 candles with safety holders, marking pen
pumpkin scoop, carving tool, designer tool, etching tool & box
Pumpkin Carving sets from Oriental Trading
)
Pumpkin Carving Templates
Sale Price: $0.97 per set
was $1.95
Includes 11 different designs of ghosts, skeletons, witches and more.)
Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit
$5.99
Kit includes 12 assorted 6 1/2" x 7" paper patterns, 2 saws, 1 scraper scoop,
1 drill and 1 pounce wheel.
A Fantasy Pumpkin
The Midnight Hour
I recently found this photo on hallmarkmagazine.com.
My first thought was I had to share this great pumpkin idea here on this lens!
What You'll Need:
1- 12" tall pumpkin
4- 4" tall gourds
4- ornate drawer pulls
3- ornate metal belt buckles
1- ornate lamp finial
2- 1/4" dowel rods (cut to the approx. diameter of your pumpkin)
Pencil or marker
Knife
Craft glue
Heavy-gauge florist's wire
Cordless drill fitted with 1/4" bit
Instructions:
1. Trace the inside of each belt buckle onto the pumpkin and cut to create openings for two windows and a door.
2. Glue the hardware over the openings.
3. Remove or cut down the stem until it's even with the flesh of the pumpkin, and twist the finial into the top.
4. Drill a hole through the center of each gourd.
5. Insert one dowel rod into the holes of two gourds to create an axle, and secure with glue. Repeat to create a second set of wheels.
6. Finish off all four wheels by inserting a drawer pull into the outside hole of each gourd for hubcaps.
7. Line up the two sets of wheels next to each other at about the same width as your pumpkin. Then wrap wire from one dowel rod to the other to fasten the axles together and to create a webbing for the pumpkin carriage to sit on.
8. Gently place your carriage on the wire.
For illustrated instructions take a look at their Pumpkinhowto.pdf
Pumpkin Stands
PUMPKIN STAND WITCH
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $19.99
Vampire Pumpkin Stand
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $19.99
Topperscot Oakland Raiders Pumpkin Bumpkin Pumpkin Holder
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $19.99
Topperscot Green Bay Packers Pumpkin Bumpkin Pumpkin Holder
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $19.99
Topperscot New York Giants Pumpkin Bumpkin Pumpkin Holder
Amazon Price: (as of 12/05/2008)
List Price: $19.99
Pumpkin Seeds!
This is what I used last year. If you have your own pumpkin roasting experiment let me know the results! I really want to find the perfect "recipe".
Ingredients: seeds from 1 pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of butter, and salt.
Instructions: Place the seeds in a strainer and rinse them. Drain them and let them dry. Preheat Oven to 250 degrees. Melt the butter and coat the pumpkin seeds. Place the seeds 1 layer deep on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle them with salt. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown, stirring 2 to 3 times.
An alternative to carving
Mr. Potato Head Pumpkin Decorating Kits
Painted Wood Pumpkin Decorating Kits
$24.95
Set of four kits provides pieces to make a jack-o'-lantern, bat, cat and witch.
Painted wooden blocks in the form of ears, mouth, eyes, eyebrows and other features are mounted on dowels.
More Great Halloween Lenses
-
Fairy, Pixie & Nymph Costumes
-
I've searched the web for the best fairy, pixie, and nymph costumes, from Tinkerbell and her Disney Fairy Friends, to woodland creatures of all sorts. You'll find costumes for little girls and woman of all ages and sizes. Whether your style is swee...
-
Pirate & Princess Costumes
-
This lens was inspired by my family's night at Mickey's Pirate and Princess Party at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. (Which by the way I highly recommend!) Below you will find Disney licensed costumes, as well as non-specific pirate and princess...
-
Black Cats: Classic Icons of Halloween
-
Black cats have long been associated with witches and are favorite icons used for Halloween costumes and decorations. This association dates back to the Middle Ages and may have been due to the fact that cats are nocturnal and therefore more active a...
-
Baby's First Halloween
-
Is this going to be your baby's first Halloween? I've searched the web for the cutest costumes for newborns through toddlers. Animals, bugs, fruits & veggies, sealife, and superheros. I've also included "Baby's First Halloween" bibs, onesies, t shir...
Pumpkin Carving on Squidoo
(Halloween is October 31, 2009)
Do you have any pumpkin carving tips to share?
BethErickson wrote...
Very nice lens you have. very detailed. I'm going to promote this to my nephews.
I'm sure they will love this idea of yours. I give you 5* for a brilliant work!
Have a peek on my lens sometime. Really appreciated!
Posted November 11, 2008
k9pottytrainingpuppy wrote...
Next year I am going to carve my very first pumpkin after reading through your information. I have tried with a few other vegetables and have had a bit of success. However there is something about pumpkin carvings that really make them stand out.
Posted November 04, 2008
Mortira wrote...
Great tips and ideas! There's nothing like getting the family together to create a great jack-o-lantern! 5 stars and 'rolled to my Hallowe'en lenses!
Posted October 31, 2008
S-Ahsan wrote...
i love your lenses! this one is really good...4 hrs to halloween ;)
Posted October 30, 2008
EverythingMouse wrote...
I just watched the pumpkin carving challenge on the Food Network. I never realised that there were so many different styles and possibilities for the art of pumpkin carving, Blessings to you.
Posted October 30, 2008
Thanks!
You made this the most visited lens on Squidoo last Halloween! (October 29-31, 2007)
