How to Carve a Pumpkin Masterpiece
Pumpkins are an autumn squash that take center stage every Halloween as they are transformed into the jack-o'-lanterns and displayed on the doorsteps of homes around the country. People of all ages create patterns in their pumpkins, sometimes following guides or cutting out basic faces. Yet you can set your pumpkin apart by creating a one-of-a-kind design in the gourd. With some planning and a lot of patience, you'll be able to create a unique pumpkin masterpiece all your own. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a pumpkin that will become the canvas of your carved masterpiece. Look for a gourd that's free of bruises and has a clean surface you can carve into. Make sure it can stand up without rolling. Shake the pumpkin to make sure it doesn't sound slushy. This might indicate that it has spoiled inside and won't make a suitable pumpkin for carving.
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Cut a circular lid around the top of the pumpkin using a knife. Slice through the gourd at an angle so it doesn't fall into the pumpkin when placed back on top.
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Clean out the inside of the pumpkin using a pumpkin scraper tool or a spoon. Get all of the seeds, strings and slime out of the pumpkin. Ensure the walls are smooth inside, as this will help better reflect the light once the candle's lit. Scrape away the insides until the pumpkin wall is 1 inch thick.
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Sketch a design on the pumpkin. While patterns are available for purchase, create your own design to really get your pumpkin noticed. Use a water-based marker while drawing, which will be easily erased if you make any mistakes. Make a pattern that's full of contrast between carved spaces and those left in the pumpkin. Because the pumpkin is lit from behind, your pattern should be the negative of the image you're producing. Remember all carved-out shapes must still be connected to the pumpkin, or else they will fall.
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Carve the pumpkin beginning with the features closest to the center and working your way out. Use a pumpkin saw to cut the pumpkin. Hold this tool like a pencil, and move it slowly and gently as you push it in and out of the pumpkin. Remove the portion by pushing it inside the pumpkin. Always be patient while carving a pumpkin. Pumpkin masterpieces usually take hours, not minutes, to complete.
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Place a candle inside the carved pumpkin and have a look at your masterpiece.
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Tips & Warnings
If a piece is accidentally cut off your pumpkin, reattach it in place using a toothpick. Place half of the toothpick in the area that it broke from and push the disconnected piece over the toothpick to secure it in place.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
