Halloween Pumpkin Carving Tips

Even if you don't get all dressed up, head to costume parties or deck your house out with decoration, the carved pumpkin is a halloween classic and staple decor piece.

Here you'll learn how to carve a pumpkin, where to find creative stencils and ideas as well as what to consider when carving your pumpkin.

Firstly, pumpkins can be fun but messy projects. Find an area to carve that will not be ruined by the pumpkin seeds and pulp. Lay out a table cloth or newspaper and/or create a spot on your porch or in your garage. Once set up, you'll want to make sure that your pumpkin is at room temperature and that you are using the correct tools. You're going to need a small garbage bag to collect the contents and later a cookie sheet if you plan to keep the seeds to salt and roast, separately. You're also going to need the appropriate cutting tools and please, if kids are helping you, pay close attention and I encourage them watching and not carving! For carving you'll want to use a large scoop like an ice cream scoop, a hand saw, drills, grapefruit spoon, a paring knife and apple corer. A wood carving set is also an asset.

The design of your pumpkin does not have to be a typical Jack O' Lantern with a face, it can be the batman logo, a witch flying on her broom, the words "BOO!" carved into the pumpkin and some are even part of a whole scenery consisting of several pumpkins. If you are using a template or stencil you'll want to draw onto the pumpkin with a pencil, pen or maker, pencil being the less noticeable. The first part to carve into will be the top, you'll need to cut a circle or hole into the top that surrounds the stem, which creates a lid, making sure it is large enough for your hand to fit into. This lid, once off ,will allow you to scoop out the insides and carve with more ease as well as create a hollowed out area where your candle will go, if you desire to have your pumpkin lit. Alternatively, you could create a hole in the bottom where it would sit over a light or candle. Now, scoop everything out with an ice cream scoop or grapefruit spoon and make sure the lid has a flat bottom sliced with a knife if necessary. Carve back the pulp until about an inch in thickness. If in doubt of your own tools, pumpkin carving knives and kits can be sold at most stores where halloween items are sold. Some tools are designed specifically for kids to help out and be involved without injuring themselves with an actual knife.

Great stencils/template books can be found at the following locations:

This Hershey site has easier patterns for working with kids-http://www.hersheys.com/trickortreats/activities/stencils.asp or http://www.ehow.com/halloween/templates.html#CarvingPatterns and the next few links have more difficult patterns http://www.pumpkinlady.com/pattern.htm , http://www.pumpkinmasters.com/free_patterns_main.asp , http://zombiepumpkins.com/ , http://www.spookmaster.com/, http://www.carvingpumpkins.com/

Now for the fun part- Creating your Masterpiece! You can use tape or straight pins to hold any pattern paper to the pumpkin itself and draw directly onto the pumpkin where necessary. In addition, use a poker tool to gouge using small holes outlining your pattern. This will help the cutting process and make for easier cuts, especially when using any type of curves. Use a fine-tooth saw or a craft knife or drill and wood working tools to start carving . For an interesting lighting effect, you can carve back some of the skin to allow for a more transparent look. You can also add embelishments such as a carrot for a nose, or pieces of excess pumpkin as the ears etc. When you are completely finished do coat the edges of your carved out areas with petroleum jelly, this will keep your pumpkin from drying out and shriveling up prematurely.

Ensure that the bottom of the inside of your pumpkin is flat to allow for a candle. You can now add your lighting and your pumpkin is ready to glow! Use a votive candle in a glass votive holder so the wax doesn't drip everywhere, the candle lasts longer and for safety purposes.

Enjoy and have a Safe and Happy Halloween!