Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks

It’s that time of year again! FALL is upon us and we couldn’t be more excited. Fall is a time for so many fun activities that the whole family can participate in, but we think the best activity is...pumpkin carving. A well-known tradition, jack-o-lanterns have been carved for centuries and continue to be a staple in households during October.

Step 1: Pick a Pumpkin

The size and shape of your pumpkin matter significantly if you want to end up with a good jack-o-lantern. Thinking about what you want to put on your pumpkin will help narrow down the choices. Always choose a pumpkin with a thick, green stem, this signifies that the pumpkin is healthy and will have sturdy walls to carve your creation into. Make sure to avoid pumpkins with bruises or holes as they will not keep as long. Another good tip is to get a pumpkin with a flat bottom so you have a nice even surface for your pumpkin to sit on.

Step 2: Prep the Pumpkin

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect pumpkin, it is important to prep for carving. Cut a hole at the top and make sure it’s angled so that when you replace it at the end it doesn’t fall through. Make sure to scoop out all the insides and even scrape the walls down a little bit to make cutting into the pumpkin easier.

Step 3: Cut your Pumpkin

Using stencils or designs may help you when cutting into your pumpkin, but if you are gifted enough to free-hand go ahead! Place the pumpkin in your lap when carving to ensure a sturdier base. Using a sharp knife and different sized knives will help you cut into the sides better and produce the design you intended on. For ideas on how to carve your pumpkin visit this website.

Step 4: Preserve your Pumpkin

After you have carved your pumpkin be sure to put petroleum jelly on the edges to prevent it from shrivelling up.

There are so many different ways to carve a pumpkin, so get creative with it. We would love to see what everyone comes up with so tag us in your pumpkin posts and have a Happy Halloween!