How To Carve A Memorable Halloween Pumpkin

Are you the kind of person who goes all out with the Halloween decorations

, but struggles when it comes to carving a pumpkin?

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you carve a ghoulishly great jack-o'-lantern this October. The job goes much faster and with much less frustration if you have the right tools to cut intricate designs and shapes.

Make it easy yourself and purchase a pumpkin carving kit, many of which include a keyhole saw, carving saw, etching tool, and ridged pumpkin scraper. Some kits also come with stencils. If you care less about the final product, you can muddle your way through the process with a sturdy kitchen knife. Good luck with that!

Be picky at the pumpkin patch. Choose the right shape for your design, be it oblong, round, squared, or whatever. Smoother areas on a pumpkin usually work well for the face or design area.

Cover your carving surface with old newspaper or garbage bags for fast, easy cleanup.

Cut an opening around the stem of the pumpkin. For best results, angle the cut inward at about 45 degrees so that the plug seats securely. You may also want to create a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin for a candle or Halloween light.

Remove the bulk of seeds, string, and pulp with your hands, then use a scraping tool spoon to clean the inner wall of the pumpkin until it's smooth. Scrape the wall where you plan to carve your jack-o'-lantern's face to about one inch thick.

Place a stencil of your design on the "face" of the pumpkin, taping it in place or attaching it with spray tack.

Poke small holes, 1/8" to 1/4" apart, along the lines of the stencil, then remove the stencil. If the design is hard to see, rub a little flour over he jack-o'-lantern's face and connect the dots with a fine non-indelible marker.

Insert your keyhole saw (from the pumpkin carving kit, remember?) and start carving the smaller elements: Eyes, teeth, etc. Gradually work your way out to the larger elements.

Follow curved lines by gently turning your carving saw in the direction you wish to carve. Don't twist the carving saw! Leave cut shapes in place for support until you're ready to pop out all pieces.

Examine your jack-o'-lantern and touch up any areas that need to be cleaned. If anything breaks off, use toothpicks to repair!

Light it up! White lights make carved pumpkins really pop, and they're safer than candles.

Stand back to admire your skillfully carved pumpkin, and wait for kudos and compliments from your neighbors.

Below are some pumpkin carving tools, lights, and other Halloween jack-o'-lantern supplies to help you get the most out of your pumpkin carving experience.

Deluxe Pumpkin Scooper

Pumpkin scooper features a rubber grip handle and serrated spoon ti, and is great for hollowing out pumpkins and squash.

Deluxe Pumpkin Carving Kit

This kit includes a keyhole saw and carving saw, a double-sided etching tool, a ridged pumpkin scraper, and 12 stencils.

LED Flicker Lights

Electric flicker lights offer a safe alternative to candles.

Halloween Stencil Kit

Stencil kits can turn the most ham-fisted carver into an artist.

by: Party City

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