Here is a simple guide to show you how to easily turn a pumpkin into a carved Jack-O-Lantern!
Anyone can follow these easy instructions to make a Halloween Jack-O-Lantern masterpiece! |
| Photo by Steven Depolo |
2. Cut the top of the pumpkin and any large areas with a sharp, straight-edged knife. Do not use a blunt blade.
3. Carve outwards away from yourself, keep an eye on the kids; they should carve only under your supervision.
4. Do not hold the cutting knife in a stabbing position.
5. It is recommended to use serrated metal saws as they are a safer and better alternative to knives. You may also want to consider getting a Pumpkin Carving Kit for this task.
6. During carving, ensure a part of the blade is in the pumpkin and use slow, steady sawing strokes.
7. Cut the pumpkin lid at an angle so that the outside diameter is larger than the inside. This will prevent the lid from falling back into the pumpkin when it shrinks.
8. Remove all the seeds and fibery flesh with a large scoop or ice cream scooper.
9. Carve the facial features closest to the center first and work outwards. Cut the larger features one section at a time.
10. Use a Dremel 7000-PK 6-Volt Pumpkin Carving Kit to carve out the intricate designs and use the tip to make small circles, curves and other details.
11. Remove cut sections by gently pushing them into or out of the pumpkin.
12. Make detail holes big enough to provide the required ventilation for candles or lightings.
13. Flat a space at the bottom of the pumpkin to for the candles or lighting.
14. Ensure the flame is not too close to the top of the pumpkin.
15. To extend the life of the Jack-O-Lantern, sparsely coat all cut surfaces with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cooking oil, or protect it with a slightly wet towel when not displaying the pumpkin.
16. Give the children some stickers and markers to decorate their own pumpkins with their creativity.
Resources:
The kits include all the tools needed, and they actually work better than ordinary kitchen tools!
Click here to see carving kits, tools, books and templates for carving pumpkins.
Amazon.com carries a wide variety of kits and stencils. Or you may want to download some FREE Halloween stencils here.
