Carve Your Pumpkin Like a Pro

 

Pumpkin carving is one of the most beloved fall traditions: part art project, part seasonal celebration, and always tons of fun. Whether you’re crafting a spooky masterpiece for Hallowe’en or a creating something cutesy for your porch, a little preparation and a few smart techniques can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve put together a few top tips to help you carve pumpkins like a pro.

 

Choose the right pumpkin

Your perfect jack-o-lantern starts with the right canvas. Look for a pumpkin that’s firm, smooth, and has a sturdy stem. Avoid any with soft spots or bruising as they’re more likely to rot faster and look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom as they sit securely, making them easier to display and carve.

 

Gather the right tools

While a kitchen knife works in a pinch, pumpkin carving is much easier—and safer—with the right tools. Instead, invest in a carving kit, which usually includes serrated saws along with smaller tools for detailing. You’ll also want a sturdy spoon or ice cream scoop to help remove the innards of the pumpkin, along with a fine-point marker for sketching your design.

 

Cut the lid from the bottom

While many people cut a lid from the pumpkin from the top, the real pro pumpkin carving move is to cut the lid from the bottom. This keeps the top intact (which slows down drying and shriveling) and makes it easier to place over a candle or LED light without having to awkwardly reach inside your pumpkin.

 

Scrape, scrape, scrape

Once the top or bottom is off, clean the inside of your pumpkin with your scoop being careful to remove all the seeds and stringy pulp. Spend additional time scraping the inner wall where you’ll carve your design until it’s approximately one inch thick. A thinner pumpkin wall will let more light shine through and make cutting easier.

 

Sketch before you cut

It’s like the old adage says, measure twice and cut once. Or in this case, sketch first and cut later. Drawing your design on paper first can help you decide exactly what you want to create and ensure you’re happy with it before you start carving. Need a little extra artistic support? Tape a printed pattern onto your pumpkin and use a pin or toothpick to poke small holes along the lines as a guide—then simply follow along with your carving tools for a foolproof way to gut your gourd.

 

Preserve your pumpkin longer

To help your carved pumpkin last a little longer, rub a light layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil along the cut edges to seal in moisture. You can also spray the inside with a bleach-and-water solution (1 tablespoon bleach per 4 cups of water) to prevent mold.

 

Make it light and bright

While traditional candles look great inside your pumpkin, battery-powered tea lights are a safer, longer-lasting option. Or try using different coloured lights or glowsticks for a unique and extra spooky look inside your pumpkin instead.

 

Smash it when you’re done

After Hallowe’en, bring your jack-o-lantern to the Westshore Town Centre parking lot with a cash donation so that Langford Fire Rescue can drop it from a 100-foot fire engine ladder to raise money for the BC Burn Fund. Trust us when we tell you that this is a spectacle not to be missed!

 

Have fun and get creative! Pumpkin carving is all about expression and enjoying the spirit of fall. Whether your design is spooky, silly, or artistic, you’re sure to make a masterpiece—and some memories, too.

Related – before you head out trick-or-treating or hit up a Hallowe’en party, it’s important to make sure you’re staying safe, so the night is full of treats, not tricks. Visit this past blog post and have the best Hallowe’en possible: Staying Safe for Hallowe’en

 

 

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