How to Make a Jack-o-Lantern

The Jack-o-Lantern, a pumpkin carved into a leering face, is a staple of Halloween in America. Every year, pumpkin farmers sell wagon loads of their wares to eager families, who put the Jack-o-Lantern on the doorstep to scare away tricksters or simply to join into the spirit of the holiday.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A pumpkin
• A knife or set of carving tools

Selecting the pumpkin

1. Consider size. The pumpkin should be big enough to carve eyes, nose and a mouth on.

2. Tap the pumpkin. If it isn't entirely solid, it's rotting. Choose a dry pumpkin with a hard shell.

3. Look at the shape of the pumpkin. Do you want a moon-faced or a tall, thin one?

4. Wash dirt off the pumpkin.

5. Find the 'best side'. Turn the pumpkin around to see which area would make the best Jack-o-Lantern face.

Carving the pumpkin

6. Mark the features on the pumpkin using a pen or pencil. Draw them slightly smaller then you want them to be.

7. Cut the top off. Put the knife or carving tool all the way through the shell into the pumpkin. Saw a clean circle around the stem and lift off.

8. Clean the pumpkin. Discard the seeds and sticky interior. Make sure the inside of the face area is free of clinging tissue.

9. Cut the face. For each feature, push the knife or carving tool through, then cut on the line until the piece comes out.

10. Clear away the rough edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Sets of small-toothed saws can be bought cheaply at markets where farmers sell pumpkins. They are ideal for making a Jack-o-Lantern.
• Supervise kids with knives! Make sure the knife you are using is safe. Cut away from the body and not toward yourself as you carve.