The Art Of Carving a Pumpkin
Pumpkin Carving - One of the most instantly recognizable symbols of the Halloween season is the hollowed and carved out Pumpkin known as a Jack-o'-Lantern. Every year, millions of children and adults alike sit down to carve their own unique and frightening versions of this hallows eve mascot to put in their windows or on their front porch. But carving a great pumpkin is not just a matter slicing and dicing. In order to create the perfect Jack-o'-Lantern you will need the right tools, the right preparation, and the right resources. Here is how to carve a pumpkin!
Pumpkin Carving
- Give Us Your Opinion
- What You'll need
- Choosing The Right Pumpkin
- Pumpkin Carving Stencil
- Kids Halloween Costumes
- Other Pumpkin Carving Sites
- Cutting The Pumpkin Lid
- Emptying Out The Seeds
- Carving Tools From Amazon
- Drawing The Face
- Pumpkin Carving Patterns From Amazon
- Carving Pattern Sites
- Pumpkin Gift Baskets
- Carving The Pumpkin
- Disney's Carving Kits
- Carving Tools
- Preserving The Pumpkin
- Pumpkin preservatives
- Light The Pumpkin
- Lighten Up Those Pumpkins
- Pour In Your Opinion About Halloween and Pumpkin Carving
(Halloween is October 31, 2010)
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What You'll need
- Pumpkin: See below for tips on how to choose the right pumpkin.- Carving Knives: In general, try to use a large boning knife to cut the lid, and a small, serrated paring knife for carving the detailed features. Although you probably have knives like this in your kitchen, you may want to think about buying one of the many inexpensive pumpkin carving kits that are available.
- Candles: Small votive candles are usually the most popular way to illuminate a Jack-o'-Lantern, although different types of candles can also be used (as long they have a wide base or can be put in a candle holder). See Mahalo's guide to purchasing Candles.
- Newspapers: Used to cover your work area before you begin. Carving a pumpkin can get pretty messy sometimes, and it's great to be able to just bunch up your pumpkin soaked newspaper and throw it in the trash.
- Pens or Stencils: In order to create a pattern on the pumpkin, you will either need a pen (preferably a washable marker or wax pencil) or a stencil (to transfer a pre-made pattern onto the pumpkin).
Choosing The Right Pumpkin
Choosing the right pumpkin is a crucial first step in creating a memorable Jack-o'-Lantern. Since pumpkins can come in all shapes and sizes, it is important to pick one that will best fit the pattern or design that you want to create. Before you head out to the pumpkin patch, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:- Try to decide what you want to carve onto your pumpkin before you go to buy one. This will make it easier for you to determine what size and shape pumpkin you will need.
- Pick a pumpkin that has a solid orange color all the way around (meaning it is ripe) and that is free of bruises, cuts, nicks and gouges.
- If you will be using a stencil, try to find a pumpkin that is relatively smooth so that transferring the image will be easier.
- Make sure that your pumpkin will sit straight on a flat surface. There is nothing more annoying than a pumpkin that keeps falling over.
- Choose the size of your pumpkin based on where you want to display it. Smaller pumpkins are better for window sills, railings and mantles, while larger pumpkins are usually better for your porch or walkway.
- After buying your pumpkin, don't carry it by the stem. This can cause the stem to break off, ruining your pumpkin and your Jack-o'-Lantern.
Tip: If you are purchasing multiple pumpkins for your home, try to pick ones that are similar in color. This way they will look better when displayed together.
Kids Halloween Costumes
Other Pumpkin Carving Sites
- Pumpkin Carving 101
- Pumpkin Carving history, instructions and patterns.
- iVillage
- How to carve a pumpkin.
- About.com
- Use these basic pumpkin-carving tips from this how-to to help you carve the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.
- How Stuff Works
- Carving a pumpkin is really pretty easy. With a few short, straight cuts with a knife, you can make triangular eyes, a nose and a toothy mouth. The result is a face almost anyone can recognize, even if you just draw it on a piece of paper. It's the face of a jack-o'-lantern.
- BBC
- How to carve a pumpkin.
Cutting The Pumpkin Lid
Now that we've got our pumpkin, we're ready to start carving. The first step in carving a pumpkin is to cut off the lid. This will allow us to clear out the innards of the pumpkin, making room for the candle and making it easier for us to carve the design. Here's how to do it:- Start by setting out all of your newspapers over a flat surface (a sturdy table is usually the best place to carve).
- Place your pumpkin upright and start by drawing a circle (or hexagon) around the top of your pumpkin (usually about 2 inches from the stem).
- Using your large boning knife, cut along the line you have drawn. In order to create a bevelled edge, angle your knife towards the center of the pumpkin while you cut. This will keep the lid from falling into the pumpkin once you are finished.
- Be careful as you cut. Make slow, deliberate strokes and don't try to rush it. Hold the pumpkin steady with your hand, but always cut away from your hand.
- Once you are done cutting, pull the stem cap off the pumpkin and scrape off the seeds and pulp that is stuck to it.
- Place the lid out of the way for now.
Emptying Out The Seeds
After removing the lid, you'll notice that your pumpkin is filled with a tangled mess of seeds, pulp and strings. You will need to get this all out before you can start carving your design.- Start by reaching into your pumpkin and pulling out all of the seeds and strings you can get your hands around. (You may want to have a garbage can handy to put the seeds, or a large bowl if you want to keep them for another purpose).
- Take a serving spoon or wooden spatula and scrape away at all of the goop that is still clinging to the insides of the pumpkin. Do this until you've scooped out all of the seeds and strings.
- Identify which side of the pumpkin you will be carving and do some extra scraping on the corresponding inner wall. A smooth inner wall will make it easier for your knife to pierce the pumpkin flesh.
- If you've chosen to keep your pumpkin seeds, you can make a tasty treat by roasting them, or enhance your costume by making Vampire fingernails.
Tip - Cut your fingernails before scooping out the innards so that pulp can't get caught under your fingernails.
Carving Tools From Amazon
LamsonSharp Heirloom Pumpkin Carving Tool Set, Three Piece
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009) 
Emerald Innovations 11450P24 Halloween Battery Operated Pumpkin Carver Knife
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Pumpkin Tool Box Carving Kit
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
3D JOLEE STIX PUMPKIN CARVING
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Pumpkin Carving Tool Set
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Drawing The Face
The next step is to create a design that you can use to carve the face of your pumpkin. This is where you can start to get creative by coming up with unique patterns and designs that will help set your pumpkin apart from all of the others on your block. While some people may have the artistic talent to draw a great pattern by hand, others may want to use a stencil to help them create the perfect Jack-0'-Lantern. Here's how to do it both ways:Draw It Yourself
- Use a non-permanent felt-tip marker or wax pencil to draw your design.
- Keep a damp paper towel handy to erase any mistakes.
- If you are drawing a face, make sure that the eyes, nose and mouth are big enough for your blade to cut. Too small and you won't be able to cut out the features.
- Take a look at other Jack-o'-Lanterns for good pattern ideas.
Using Pumpkin Stencils
- Find a stencil you like by searching through patterns available. You can also create your own custom pumpkin stencil by signing up for a free account with Better Homes and Gardens.
- Once you've decided on a stencil, print out a hard copy on a full-sized sheet of paper.
- Place your stencil over where you want it on the pumpkin and tape the edges to hold it in place.
Take some water and lightly wet your stencil while pressing it against the pumpkin. Let it dry.
- Using a needle, nail or push pin, begin poking small holes along the lines of your pattern (through the stencil and into the pumpkin).
- Once you've traced the entire pattern onto the pumpkin, remove the stencil.
- Using a felt-tipped marker, trace over the pattern of holes that you have made.
Pumpkin Carving Patterns From Amazon
Extreme Pumpkin Carving: 20 Amazing Designs from Frightful to Fabulous
Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 12/23/2009)
PUMPKIN MASTERS #CTR-97A1 Pumpkin Carv DSP
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Pumpkin Masters Sensational Shadows Pattern Book
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
PUMPKIN MASTERS FAMILY FAVORITES PATTERN BOOK
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Great Pumpkins: Crafty Carvings for Halloween
Amazon Price: $11.78 (as of 12/23/2009)
Carving Pattern Sites
- Stoneykins
- If you want some patterns take a look at this site.
- Kim's Free Pumpkin Patterns
- Here is a collection of pumpkin carving patterns designed by your Guide. Print these free pumpkin carving patterns and use them to carve or paint a pumpkin this Halloween.
- Pumpkin carving Patterns
- Here is a collection of Halloween pumpkin carving patterns you can download and use to make your own jack-o-lanterns.
Pumpkin Gift Baskets
Pumpkin Patch Halloween Gift Basket
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Pumpkin Patch Halloween Gift Basket
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Trick or Treat Halloween Pumpkin Gift Basket
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Happy Jack's Halloween Pumpkin of Treats
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Halloween Gift Basket
Amazon Price: $37.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Carving The Pumpkin
Now that you've got your pattern drawn, you are ready to start carving your masterpiece. But remember to take your time when carving your pumpkin. A few misplaced cuts and your intricate design can be ruined. Here's how to carve your pumpkin:- Grab your small pairing knifes, utility blades, or other carving tools from your pumpkin carving kit.
- Find a comfortable position to carve your pumpkin. You may want to hold it in your lap, put it on a table, or have it sitting on the ground, whatever works best for you.
- Carve along the pattern lines that you have drawn, making sure to cut all the way through the pumpkin skin.
- Use smaller blades for the finer features and gouging tools to add texture.
- Be careful! This where people have the greatest chance of cutting themselves. Make sure that you always cut away from yourself.
- After finishing each of the features, slowly push out the cut-out pumpkin pieces from inside the pumpkin.
- Throw all of the excess pumpkin pieces in the trash.
Tip: Try to keep your knife blades as sharp as possible. While this may seem like a recipe for bloodshed, it will actually make it less likely for you to cut yourself, as a sharper blade will cut easier and require less cutting force.
Disney's Carving Kits
Disney Princess Halloween Pumpkin Power Carver / Carving Kit - 6 Patterns - Battery Powered
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Halloween Disney Pumpkin Carving Kit
Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 12/23/2009)
Disney Princess Pumpkin Carving Kit
Amazon Price: $11.88 (as of 12/23/2009)
Paper Magic Group Halloween Disney Pooh Stencil Kit
Amazon Price: $1.97 (as of 12/23/2009)
Disney Pirates of the Caribbean Carving Kit
Amazon Price: $11.88 (as of 12/23/2009)
Preserving The Pumpkin
We all know the horror of a rotting pumpkin that has quickly grown saggy and shriveled on our front porch. Not a pretty sight. But yours doesn't have to turn out that way. Here are a few ways to help preserve your pumpkin and and protect it from the elements:- Rub vaseline or petroleum jelly on all of the carved edges. This will help prevent the moisture loss that can lead to shriveling.
- Rub diluted bleach on the insides of the pumpkin. This will help the pumpkin last an extra couple of days.
- On hot days, move your pumpkins inside or to a dry, shaded area. This will help slow down the decomposition process.
- WD-40 will also work as a pumpkin preserver, but be careful! Make sure to wait at least 24 hours after spraying it with WD-40 to put your candle in.
- You can buy a commerical spray on pumpkin preserver such as Pumpkin Fresh.
Pumpkin preservatives
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly - 3.75 oz.
Amazon Price: $5.43 (as of 12/23/2009)
Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly, 13 oz (368 g)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
WD-40 Lubricant, Aerosol Can with Smart Straw, 8 Fluid Ounces
Amazon Price: $6.86 (as of 12/23/2009)
Light The Pumpkin
Now that your pumpkin carving is complete, you're ready for the final step: illuminating your creation! This is where you will finally get to turn your ordinary pumpkin into a devilish Halloween masterpiece. Here are a few tips on how to light your pumpkin.- Most people choose to use a traditional votive candle (usually in a glass candle holder) to illuminate their Jack-o'-Lanterns. You can usually buy votive candles wherever they sell home decorating supplies.
- Other types of candles can be used as long as they can be secured to the bottom of the pumpkin and are not so big that they light the top of the pumpkin on fire.
- A simple candle holder can be made by folding tin foil around the base of the candle.
- A good way to let the heat and smoke escape from your candle is to cut a chimney hole in the lid.
Some people choose to use an artificial light in order to illuminate their pumpkins. While they may be safer than having a candle burning, they often don't provide as much light as a regular candle.
- If you use a candle, make sure to check on it every few hours or so. Try not to leave it unattended for long periods of time.
- Once you've placed the light inside your pumpkin, replace the lid and watch your Jack-o'-Lantern glow!
Lighten Up Those Pumpkins
Signature Brands #65543 Ultimate Strobe Light
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Darice Unscented Votive Candles
Amazon Price: $11.35 (as of 12/23/2009)
15 Hour Unscented Votives (Box of 36)
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
10 Hour White Unscented Votive Candles Set of 72
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/23/2009)
Pour In Your Opinion About Halloween and Pumpkin Carving
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- RollingLuggage RollingLuggage Nov 9, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
- Wonderful lens & Great information
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- theraggededge theraggededge Nov 1, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
- All over for this year but I'll be coming back next year for your great tips!
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- nukemdomis nukemdomis Oct 27, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
- I agree with you about purchasing a pumpkin carving knife kit. Having the right tools for the job is the most important factor for carving a killer design. I usually have good experiences at Halloween when carving pumpkins as long as I have super sharp tools to complete the job.
Not another list of free Halloween pumpkin carving patterns
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- keithyoung keithyoung Apr 26, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
- Brill lens!! I used to love doing this when I was a kid!! A magical, mystical time of year!!
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- susannaduffy susannaduffy Feb 28, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
- I'm certainly going to try a pumpkin carving this year - you've inspired me to finally give it a go.
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by EternalFlame
A mum and dad with 3 kids. We joined Squidoo so that we can share our ideas, experiences and likes with others.
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