Carving Pumpkins… Awesome tips using a simple and easy method!

Carving pumpkins, often called a Jack-O-Lantern is a favorite Halloween activity. However, if you’re new to pumpkin carving, you might be looking for tips on doing it right. It’s such a simple process but some people hold back thinking it has to be difficult. I’m sharing some basics and tips that might be helpful.

Get a Pumpkin With a Stem

It is important that you start by choosing the right pumpkin. One of the most important things to consider with the pumpkin is that it has a stem. You need the stem as it makes it a lot easier to hold onto. However, you don’t want to break the stem, so don’t pull on it too hard. It’s also good to look for a stem because if it doesn’t have one, that pumpkin was probably handled a lot, and might have quite a bit of bruising. Look for a greener stem, since this is a younger pumpkin and will stay fresher for a longer period of time.

Consider an Oddly-Shaped Pumpkin

You might want a perfectly round pumpkin that would make for a flawless Instagram photo, but don’t rule out the others. When a pumpkin has an odd shape, is especially long or more narrow than you would like, you can actually use it to your advantage. These pumpkins often provide areas that are flatter, which is good for more intricate carving designs. They can also allow you to be more creative in deciding what type of design will be best for that pumpkin, as opposed to a simple Jack-O-Lantern face. You could even find some squash or other gourds that would make fun jack-o-lanterns!

OK… Now start cutting!

The first part of the cutting process involves cutting off the top of the pumpkin. Don’t cut straight down in a circle, as this will just cause your lid to fall in. You want to cut a little bit larger of an area and at an angle. The reason people do a zig-zag shape with the lid is because it makes it easier for that lid to stay on when youíre done scooping out the inside. After you cut off the lid, next comes removing the seeds and pulp. If you don’t’ have a special tool, an ice cream scoop works great at removing everything. You also need something that scrapes the sides so you have no pulp on the edge where it could peek out your design. You are now ready to start carving your design.

Now its time for Carving Pumpkins!

When you begin carving the pumpkin, it really just takes some practice. However, these tips can be helpful:

* Use a variety of cutting tools, from cookie cutters to different knives
* When doing details on the design, put the pumpkin in your lap, but be careful not to cut yourself
* Start from a stencil or template to simplify the process
* Don’t use the cheap tools that come in a carving kit
* Apply petroleum jelly to the finished design to keep it from wilting too soon