Pumpkin Carving Tips

First, you want to find the perfect pumpkin, one that will not be lopsided, doesn't have too many flaws, and is big enough for your carving. It's good to have a general idea of what pattern you have in mind before purchasing.

Next, you will want to clean your pumpkin for a workable surface.

The tools that you will need are a sharp knife, a pumpkin saw, a pumpkin scoop, a pumpkin scraper, a bowl, garbage can, an ice pick or similar tool, candle votive or LCD light, and lots of newspaper. If you are using a pattern, make an extra copy.

Spread out the newspaper on the floor or table. Place the pumpkin in the center. Using a sharp knife, cut out a hole in the top of your pumpkin around the stem just big enough so that you can fit your hand in later to place a votive or LCD light. The pumpkin top will be your lid so do not toss this. Set it aside for now.

Kids love helping in this part. Gut the pumpkin. If you plan to plant or roast pumpkin seeds, place them in the bowl and throw away the pulp and rest of the insides in the garbage. If you don't want to save the seeds, then throw them away too. Use the scraper to really get the sides clean.

Next, if you're using a pattern, gently tape your pattern to the pumpkin. Follow the guidelines on the pattern and poke the holes all the way through being especially careful in detailed areas. If you are not using a pattern, then just poke your pattern directly onto the pumpkin.

Remove the pattern from the pumpkin and start cutting out the pattern with your pumpkin saw, following your dotted guidelines. Use the extra copy of the pattern to use as a guide for tight areas so you won't be confused. Gently remove cut out pieces so that you don't break what needs to remain. When your pattern is all cut out, gently wipe the front of the pumpkin with a damp cloth to remove any pumpkin carving residue. Place a candle votive or LCD light in the center bottom of the pumpkin and put the lid on. Your pumpkin, now Jack O' Lantern, is ready for viewing and clean up is easy. Just throw away the newspapers and wash your tools. Let them dry completely before storing so that they wont rust and you can use them again next year.