How to Make Watermelon Carvings

Watermelon carvings range from basic to elaborate in design.

If you want a creative homemade centerpiece for your table, a watermelon carving is the perfect project. Watermelon carvings are ideal for any get together and provide a different way to hold fruit salad or other food. With a variety of shapes and designs to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect design for your event. Gather the materials needed to complete this project and get started on your watermelon carving.

Things You'll Need

• Knife with pointed tip
• Fine tip waterproof marker
• Plastic bag
• Work gloves, optional
• Melon ball scoop
• Large bowl
• Round toothpicks
• Fruit salad, optional

Instructions

1. Cut a base for the watermelon. Cut a thin piece of the rind off the bottom of the watermelon to create the base. This base will prevent the watermelon from rolling on the counter while you are working.

2. Research watermelon carving photos, available on the National Watermelon Promotion Board website, to decide what type of carving you would like to make.

3. Lay out the chosen design with the fine tip marker. Draw the design onto the rind of the watermelon. You will use your layout as a cutting guide, so make sure the lines are the way you want. This is very similar to the preliminary steps of pumpkin carving.

4. Place a plastic bag around the base of the watermelon. This will catch the juice and prevent your work station from becoming messy. Begin cutting the watermelon along the marker lines. Work slowly to prevent making mistakes or cutting yourself. You can wear gloves with grips if you are having trouble holding onto the watermelon or if you would like extra protection for your hands. Continue until you have cut out the basic shape of your watermelon carving.

5. Scoop out the contents of the watermelon with the melon ball scoop. Set these aside in a bowl. Attach any pieces needed to complete your watermelon carving design. Do so using round toothpicks.

6. Place watermelon balls and fruit salad into the watermelon carving.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave the watermelon at room temperature prior to cutting, since it is easier to cut this way.

• Avoid using a dull knife, which will make carving more difficult.

• Carving may be somewhat difficult if this is your first project, but your skills will increase as you complete more watermelon carvings.

References

• National Watermelon Promotion Board: Watermelon Carving Tips
• Chiff: Fruit and Vegetable Carving Ideas
• Bella Online; Watermelon Centerpieces; Sandy Moyer

Resources

• National Watermelon Promotion Board: Watermelon Carvings