It’s Halloween and that family outing last week to the corn maze has resulted in your living room becoming a storage place for gourds. Now it is time to get carving. Before you go hacking into your first pumpkin, take a look at just a few of our tips to make this year’s pumpkin carving a memorable one.
(Bedazzled pumpkins from our Pinterest group)
1. Get inspired. A traditional jack-o-lantern approach may be what you had in mind, but there are other approaches. Some families paint or decorate the outside of the pumpkin. If your carving session involves kids, let them sketch out some ideas before you go hacking into the gourd. If you want to avoid messiness, then decorating the pumpkin may be best for you. Running short on ideas? We have some for you on our Pinterest page.
2. Get the right tools. Carving is much easier when you have the tools for the job. Gather your pokers, saws and scoops. Most stores sell small kits and the quality of those tools are usually good for one pumpkin. However, if you are planning a carving marathon or if you want to step up your game, check out what Martha Stewart recommends.
3. Cut a hole in the pumpkin. If you plan on using a candle for illumination, use a saw to cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin. If you are using a flashlight, you can cut the hole in the bottom.
4. Scoop out the inside. This is a fun activity with the right kids. Make sure you have a metal scoop that can scrape out the more tenacious flesh inside the pumpkin. Also – save set the seeds aside as you are emptying the contents. They make for a great seasonal treat. You can find some recipes here.
5. Tape a printed pattern onto a pumpkin and transfer the pattern. Household straight pins can also be used for this step or you can use the tools provided in a kit. If you had difficulty drawing the perfect design, here is a link to some patterns.
6. Carve. Use a miniature saw and carving tools to make your pumpkin take shape. Place a light source in the middle of the pumpkin to get the full effect.
PRO TIP: To prevent the exposed areas of the pumpkin from turning brown, apply a thin layer of Vaseline. Also sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon inside the pumpkin to give it a fall aroma.
Think you did an especially creative job? Send in a photo of your pumpkin to Jeremy and we will give you kudos on our DH Custom Homes Facebook page.
