Pumpkin Carving Tips

SUPPLIES & TOOLS

• Get a symmetrical pumpkin
• Get the right tools: carving knife, melon baller, ice cream scooper, power drill, scraper

MAKE A PUMPKIN HAT

• Cut into the pumpkin at an inward angle to create a hat for it.
• Get rid of the seeds and pumpkin gunk.
• Use an ice cream scooper to scrape away the inside wall of where the design will be until it is about an inch thick.

THINK OF A COOL DESIGN

• If you are artistic, get crazy with your design. If you are like most of people and not super artistic, use a pattern or stencil.
• Tape your pattern onto the pumpkin. Use a needle or thin screw driver to make holes along the lines of the pattern.

TIME TO CUT IT

• Then you connect the dots with your knife. Do the small details first. Also, work from the middle-out.
• It helps to press your knife or other pumpkin carving utensil into the pumpkin and them use a saw motion along the lines.
• Take out the cut pieces gently or risk breaking your pumpkin.
• For contrast and really awesome designs, scrap the outside of the skin on areas of your pumpkin. It will allow the light to emit a glow through your pumpkin. The more your scrape, the brighter it will shine.

PRESERVE THE FUN

• Lightly rinse your pumpkin with water.
• Petroleum jelly will help your carved pumpkin last longer if placed on cut areas.
• Heat is the enemy of carved pumpkins. If you carve yours early, store in the fridge during the day.
• Enjoy the views of your sweet glowing pumpkin. I bet it looks great!