How to Carve A Jack-O-Lantern

It's that time of year again and we all love a good Jack-O-Lantern at Halloween. Here are some simple tips on making your Jack look it's absolute best!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Large Pumpkin
• A Black Permanent Marker
• A Butcher Knife
• A Paring Knife
• A Large Metal Spoon
• A Trash Bag
• Your Imagination
• A Candle

1. 
   Cutting out the top of the pumpkin

   Using the marker draw a hexagon on the top of the pumpkin. Add a small tab on the side so you always know how the top fits on the pumpkin. Force the butcher knife into the pumpkin and follow the line using a slow sawing motion. Remove the top and use the butcher knife to remove part of the rind along with the small bundle of seeds attached to it. Cut a small notch next to the top to allow the hot air to escape. This will keep the pumpkin from being damaged by the internal heat.

2. 
   Seeds fresh from inside the pumpkin

   Use the spoon to scrape the inside of the pumpkin. This removes the seeds and the filaments that connect the to the rind. It's slimy and messy but adds to the icky fun of Halloween. Either discard the seeds in the trash bag or put them in a bowl for roasting later.

3. Use the spoon again to remove a good portion of the rind from inside of the pumpkin. This will make carving easier later on.

4. 
   A traditional Jack-O-Lantern Pattern

   Use the marker to draw your pattern onto the outside of the pumpkin and give it a few minutes to dry.

5. Use the paring knife the slowly cut along the outline of the pattern. Make sure you cut completely into the hollow of the pumpkin. Use the tip of the knife to remove the solid pieces and discard them.

6. Place a small votive candle or tea-light in the bottom of the pumpkin and set it outside. Light the candle and you are good to go.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have the pattern cut out use knife to cut at an angle into the pumpkin. This allows the light from the candle to come out as bright as possible.
• More advanced designs can be accomplished using an electric rotary tool.
• Use your imagination. The only limit you face is the size of your pumpkin.
• This is a great family activity.
• Always handle any slicing and cutting yourself. Do not let small children handle knives or other sharp objects.

[jcorn]

on 10/31/2007 Ouch, do I need to rate it each time?

[jcorn]

on 10/31/2007 Ouch, do I need to rate it each time?

[jcorn]

on 10/31/2007 Ouch, do I need to rate it each time?

[jcorn]

on 10/31/2007 P.S. I forgot to rate it but I went back and gave it 5 stars. I'm sorry, new here, didn't think!

[jcorn]

on 10/31/2007 Thanks for the article and being a new friend here :)