How to carve an unusual pumpkin for Halloween

Why carve an ordinary pumpkin when you can create an Alien Pumpkin.

Have fun!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• pumpkin, gourd, or squash
• knife or carving tool
• cande
• spoon

1. 
   Warty pumpkins from Toms Farm

   Choose a good pumpkin. Any shape will do but the odder the better. You can choose an off color like white or green to make your alien come to life.

2. 

   Print out the Alien pattern. Enlarge the pattern to the appropriate size for your pumpkin.

3. Cut a circle on the top of the pumpkin. Make sure this circle is wide and your cut is on an angle. You want to be sure that the lid will rest on the top and not fall through.

4. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp. Scrap the inside until it's smooth and clean. (You can rinse these seeds, place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam, and sprinkle with salt. Roast them at 325 for about 25 minutes, checking and stirring them every 10 minutes. They have a nutty taste your kids will love)

5. Use straight pins, tape, or tooth picks to attach the template to the pumpkin. Carve the pumpkin through the template. The best way to start is to poke a hole in the center of where you want to cut, then saw small sections of the pumpkin.

6. Place a lighted candle in the pumpkin. I like to lay the pumpkin on the ground propped up on it's side.

7. Use baby powder, flour, baking soda, or cornstarch around the holes to make them stand out.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to scoop all the seeds and pulp out of the pumpkin, even if you choose not to roast them. You want the inside to be clean.
• Be careful to cut through the pumpkin on a steady surface so you don't cut yourself.

[hannahbee]

on 10/19/2009 Great tips - I especially like the baby powder idea, I hadn't heard that before!