How to Carve a Pumpkin Screamer

Carving pumpkins is a Halloween tradition.

Carving pumpkins is a Halloween ritual that goes back hundreds of years. Originally, they were believed to ward off evil spirits with their glowing faces. Now, they are a welcome sign for children as they make their rounds while trick or treating.

Things You'll Need

• Tracing paper
• Pencil
• Pins or tacks
• Newspaper or plastic sheet
• Sharp serrated knife
• Sharp smooth knife
• Big metal spoon

Instructions

Preparation

1. Draw a screaming face onto tracing paper with a pencil. Keep the drawing limited to outlines that can be cut out of a pumpkin.

2. Cut a circle into the top of the pumpkin using the serrated knife. Cut at an angle so that the top of the circle is larger than the bottom of the circle.

3. Scoop the insides out of the pumpkin using a big metal spoon. Scrape along the inside of the pumpkin to remove as much of the stringy pulp as possible.

4. Pin or tack the picture to the outside of the pumpkin.

Carving the Pumpkin

1. Use a pin or tack to poke holes through the tracing paper into the outside of the pumpkin along the drawn outlines. Remove the paper.

2. Following the dotted lines created by the pin or tack, cut along the lines with the serrated knife. As pieces are completely cut, push the pieces in towards the center of the pumpkin to remove them.

3. Once all of the pieces have been removed, go over the inside edges with a smooth knife to smooth out any edges or cut any fine lines.

4. Remove the pieces from inside the pumpkin and replace the circle cut from the top.

Tips & Warnings

• Small pieces are easier to cut with a smooth blade.

• If you cannot see the dotted lines on the pumpkin, rub the lead of the pencil on the outside of the pumpkin to make them show up.

• Pumpkin carving kits will have all of the tools you will need in one package, except for the pencil and paper.

• Taller, thinner pumpkins work best for screaming faces.

• Removing too many large pieces may cause the pumpkin to collapse prematurely.

• Do not place one hand inside the pumpkin for stability while cutting; instead, hold onto the side of the cut top.

• Do not scrape the inside of the pumpkin too deeply or the pumpkin may collapse.