Tips for Carving the Best Pumpkin
Get yourself in true Halloween spirit by following these tips, designed to help you create a showpiece for your porch this Halloween. Halloween is fast approaching and pumpkin carving is one of those perfect fall activities to do with the family. Whether you prefer to laugh or scream at Halloween, you can decorate your pumpkin to reflect your personality.
Follow the steps below to create your best-ever carved pumpkin!
1. Ensure your chosen design matches your skill level. You will be disappointed if you choose a design that is too difficult.
2. Choose a pumpkin whose size and shape lend themselves best to your design. Make sure the stem is firm and there are no bruises or soft spots on the pumpkin.
3. Gather the required tools — a serrated knife, large spoon or scoop, a carving saw or other carving tools.
4. Carve a lid to get access to the inside of your pumpkin. Ensure that your lid is cut at an angle, to prevent it from falling inside the pumpkin when placed on top. It is often best to turn your pumpkin upside down and cut the lid from the bottom of a pumpkin. Cutting your lid from the bottom may maximize carving space and makes it less likely that the sides of the pumpkin will cave in.
5. Scoop out the pulp with a large spoon or special claw for gutting the pumpkin and then thin the inner wall of the face area to 1 ¼ inch thick. The thinner wall will make the surface easier to carve.
6. Plan and draw your design before carving. You can tape your design to the front of your pumpkin and use a pen or pencil to pierce holes along the lines that you want to carve. You can also buy stencils specially designed to use for pumpkin carving.
7. Keep your pumpkin fresh by spreading petroleum jelly on the cut edges to seal in moisture. You can also lengthen the lifespan of your pumpkin by using bleach. Make a bleach solution in a spray bottle by mixing 1 tablespoon of bleach per litre of water. Spray the interior and exterior of the pumpkin. Once this solution dries it will kill any harmful bacteria and prevent mould growth.
8. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon inside the lid to give your pumpkin a pumpkin pie aroma. Add a candle or a glow stick after dark.
9. If you cut your pumpkin too early and it becomes shrivelled, you can revive it by placing it in a bucket of cold water. This is a short-term fix that will plump your pumpkin up for Halloween night.
Pumpkin Carving Ideas
Personalized Pumpkins
Personalized pumpkins are a great addition to your front porch on Halloween. Use a letter stencil to mark your letters before carving. You can carve your last name to represent your family or each family member can carve their own name. Why not carve a pumpkin for your family pet as well!
Scary Pumpkins
Nothing says Halloween like a spooky Jack-o’-lantern. There are many styles to choose from but here are a few ideas — if you dare!
Funny Pumpkins
Great for little ones, or anyone who likes to keep Halloween on the light side. It is great to change it up and be creative with a pumpkin that will put a smile on people’s faces. Here are some examples.
Painted Pumpkins
If you are not into messes, you are short on time or you are not confident in your carving abilities, a painted pumpkin may be the way to go. Painted pumpkins will last longer than a carved pumpkin which is a bonus. The possibilities are endless but here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Inclusive Pumpkins
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a national effort to make Halloween safer for kids with food allergies and other medical conditions. If you would like to offer a non-food or allergy-free treat, you can place a teal pumpkin on your front porch to let families know you have options available for them
Thanks for reading our top tips for pumpkin carving, and wishing you a Happy Halloween!
