Pumpkin Carving

~Pumpkin Tips and Tricks~

Each year, I eagerly anticipate going to pick out our pumpkins, for decorating and carving. I love strolling through the field, in search of the perfect pumpkins.

When selecting a pumpkin for carving, look for large ,bright orange field pumpkins. The stem should be upright and a greeny-brown, in colour. These pumpkins, have a soft rind, which makes for easier carving.

Cut a six sided hole in the pumpkin top, to make it easier to clean the pumpkin out. Flat edged ice cream scoops are great for scooping out the seeds. Remove all seeds and strings from the area you plan to carve. Don't forget to put 2-3 holes in "Jacks" lid, to prevent scorching. It gets very warm in there with all those candles, so extra ventilation is needed. For best illumination, place 3 candles inside your Jack-O-Lantern. Or, you may use a flashlight to illuminate "Jack".

A neat and simple way to carve your pumpkin, is to use cookie cutters. Press the cookie cutter into the flesh of the pumpkin. Once you are able to see the outline, trace around the shape with a magic marker (permanent magic marker works best). Use a sharp knife to cut out the resulting shapes. This is a really different way to carve a pumpkin and it allows you to carve all sides. I like to angle my cutters in all different directions, to give an asymetrical look to my Jack-O-Lantern.

Another neat way to carve your desired design, is to photocopy a page from a colouring book and poke holes in and around the outline. Place the colouring book template on your pumpkin (holding it in place with a little tape is a good idea), and use a magic marker to mark each of the holes you poked out. Once you have completed this, use a shapr knife to trace around and connect the dots. You are now ready to cut your design out.

For a wonderful smelling Jack-O-Lantern, sprinkle your favourite spice on Jack's lid, before lighting the candles. I like to use cinnamon or nutmeg. As "Jack" heats up inside, the spice will create a wonderful aroma, which will escape through the holes you put in the lid during carving. One more reason not to neglect putting those holes in!

Jack-Be-Little or Munchkin pumpkins, make great votive holders. Hollow them out and pop a tealight inside. You may carve them if you wish, but due to their small size, this can be a little difficult.

For pumpkin advice from the experts, visit Pumpkin Masters. They have great carving kits for purchase too, if you want to be really creative. I have one and I love it!

Special thanks to,


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Jack-O-Lantern by The Graphics Cupboard. They are no longer online.

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