How To

How to Carve a Pumpkin

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(301 Ratings)
Carve a Pumpkin
Carve a Pumpkin

Jolly jack-o'-lanterns are a traditional welcome for trick-or-treaters, an invitation to stop by for a Halloween surprise. It's also something you can make with the leftovers you can't use for Halloween cooking. Just remember that carving a pumpkin takes more tenacity than skill.

From Quick Guide: Jack-o-Lantern Carving Guide
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Select a fresh pumpkin in a shape that pleases you. Some folks prefer their pumpkins low and round, while others like them tall and oval-shaped.

  2. Step 2

    Draw a circle or hexagon on top of the pumpkin in preparation for making an opening large enough for your hand to reach through.

  3. Step 3
     

    Cut through the stem end of the pumpkin along your outline with a sharp knife or pumpkin-carving tool. Use a back-and-forth slicing motion to cut through the thick, tough skin.

  4. Step 4
     

    Remove the stem end, which will act as a cap, making sure you scrape off any seeds or pulp.

  5. Step 5

    Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. Hold the spoon by its bowl to get extra leverage while scooping.

  6. Step 6
     

    Draw a pattern for the face on the clean pumpkin with a felt-tip pen, or scribe the lines into the skin using a pencil. Be sure to make the eyes, nose and mouth large enough; you'll have a hard time cutting out tiny features when you're using a big knife blade to saw through tough skin.

  7. Step 7
     

    Follow your pattern as you cut all the way through the pumpkin.

  8. Step 8

    Push the cut-out features gently from the inside of the pumpkin and discard the pieces.

  9. Step 9
     

    Place a votive candle inside the pumpkin to create an eerie glow.

Tips & Warnings
  • Coat the cut edges with cooking oil to keep your jack-o'-lantern fresh longer.
  • Working with any sharp tools should always be done with adult supervision.
  • Avoid leaving burning candles unattended.

Comments  

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tinastuff said

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on 2/8/2010 Thank you so much, This was very helpful

rajusarva said

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on 10/30/2009 great article....nice too....

vikki9 said

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on 10/29/2009 Thank you for these pumpkin-carving instructions.

kl417g said

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on 10/28/2009 Another suggestion...if you want to insure your jackolantern will not ignite a costume, use a small flashlight inside, instead of the candle.

jenng said

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on 10/27/2009 great article on How to Carve a Pumpkin 5*

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