How to Carve a Killer Pumpkin

One of the most instantly recognizable symbols of the Halloween season is the hollowed and carved out Pumpkin known as a Jack-o'-Lantern. Every year, millions of children and adults alike sit down to carve their own unique and frightening versions of this hallows eve mascot to put in their windows or on their front porch. But carving a great pumpkin is not just a matter slicing and dicing. In order to create the perfect Jack-o'-Lantern you will need the right tools, the right preparation, and the right resources. Here is how to carve a killer pumpkin!

1. Pumpkin: See below for tips on how to choose the right pumpkin.

2. Carving Knives: In general, try to use a large boning knife to cut the lid, and a small, serrated paring knife for carving the detailed features. Although you probably have knives like this in your kitchen, you may want to think about buying one of the many inexpensive pumpkin carving kits that are available.

3. Candles: Small votive candles are usually the most popular way to illuminate a Jack-o'-Lantern, although different types of candles can also be used (as long they have a wide base or can be put in a candle holder). See Mahalo's guide to purchasing Candles.

4. Newspapers: Used to cover your work area before you begin. Carving a pumpkin can get pretty messy sometimes, and it's great to be able to just bunch up your pumpkin soaked newspaper and throw it in the trash.

5. Pens or Stencils: In order to create a pattern on the pumpkin, you will either need a pen (preferably a washable marker or wax pencil) or a stencil (to transfer a pre-made pattern onto the pumpkin).

Choosing the right pumpkin is a crucial first step in creating a memorable Jack-o'-Lantern. Since pumpkins can come in all shapes and sizes, it is important to pick one that will best fit the pattern or design that you want to create. Before you head out to the pumpkin patch, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:

1. Try to decide what you want to carve onto your pumpkin before you go to buy one. This will make it easier for you to determine what size and shape pumpkin you will need.

2. Pick a pumpkin that has a solid orange color all the way around (meaning it is ripe) and that is free of bruises, cuts, nicks and gouges.

3. If you will be using a stencil, try to find a pumpkin that is relatively smooth so that transferring the image will be easier.

4. Make sure that your pumpkin will sit straight on a flat surface. There is nothing more annoying than a pumpkin that keeps falling over.

5. Choose the size of your pumpkin based on where you want to display it. Smaller pumpkins are better for window sills, railings and mantles, while larger pumpkins are usually better for your porch or walkway.

6. After buying your pumpkin, don't carry it by the stem. This can cause the stem to break off, ruining your pumpkin and your Jack-o'-Lantern.

Tip: If you are purchasing multiple pumpkins for your home, try to pick ones that are similar in color. This way they will look better when displayed together.

Now that we've got our pumpkin, we're ready to start carving. The first step in carving a pumpkin is to cut off the lid. This will allow us to clear out the innards of the pumpkin, making room for the candle and making it easier for us to carve the design. Here's how to do it:

1. Start by setting out all of your newspapers over a flat surface (a sturdy table is usually the best place to carve).

2. Place your pumpkin upright and start by drawing a circle (or hexagon) around the top of your pumpkin (usually about 2 inches from the stem).

3. Using your large boning knife, cut along the line you have drawn. In order to create a beveled edge, angle your knife towards the center of the pumpkin while you cut. This will keep the lid from falling into the pumpkin once you are finished.

4. Be careful as you cut. Make slow, deliberate strokes and don't try to rush it. Hold the pumpkin steady with your hand, but always cut away from your hand.

5. Once you are done cutting, pull the stem cap off the pumpkin and scrape off the seeds and pulp that is stuck to it.

6. Place the lid out of the way for now.

After removing the lid, you'll notice that your pumpkin is filled with a tangled mess of seeds, pulp and strings. You will need to get this all out before you can start carving your design.

1. Start by reaching into your pumpkin and pulling out all of the seeds and strings you can get your hands around. (You may want to have a garbage can handy to put the seeds, or a large bowl if you want to keep them for another purpose).

2. Take a serving spoon or wooden spatula and scrape away at all of the goop that is still clinging to the insides of the pumpkin. Do this until you've scooped out all of the seeds and strings.

3. Identify which side of the pumpkin you will be carving and do some extra scraping on the corresponding inner wall. A smooth inner wall will make it easier for your knife to pierce the pumpkin flesh.

4. If you've chosen to keep your pumpkin seeds, you can make a tasty treat by roasting them, or enhance your costume by making Vampire fingernails.

Tip: Cutting your fingernails before scooping out the innards will make it so that pulp can't get caught under your fingernails.

The next step is to create a design that you can use to carve the face of your pumpkin. This is where you can start to get creative by coming up with unique patterns and designs that will help set your pumpkin apart from all of the others on your block. While some people may have the artistic talent to draw a great pattern by hand, others may want to use a stencil to help them create the perfect Jack-0'-Lantern. Here's how to do it both ways:

Draw It Yourself

1. Use a non-permanent felt-tip marker or wax pencil to draw your design.

2. Keep a damp paper towel handy to erase any mistakes.

3. If you are drawing a face, make sure that the eyes, nose and mouth are big enough for your blade to cut. Too small and you won't be able to cut out the features.

4. Take a look at other Jack-o'-Lanterns for good pattern ideas.

Using Pumpkin Stencils

1. Find a stencil you like by searching through patterns available at various sites such as Hersheys.com, eHow or DLTK. You can also create your own custom pumpkin stencil by signing up for a free account with Better Homes and Gardens.

2. Once you've decided on a stencil, print out a hard copy on a full-sized sheet of paper.

3. Place your stencil over where you want it on the pumpkin and tape the edges to hold it in place.

4. Take some water and lightly wet your stencil while pressing it against the pumpkin. Let it dry.

5. Using a needle, nail or push pin, begin poking small holes along the lines of your pattern (through the stencil and into the pumpkin).

6. Once you've traced the entire pattern onto the pumpkin, remove the stencil.

7. Using a felt-tipped marker, trace over the pattern of holes that you have made.

Now that you've got your pattern drawn, you are ready to start carving your masterpiece. But remember to take your time when carving your pumpkin. A few misplaced cuts and your intricate design can be ruined. Here's how to carve your pumpkin:

1. Grab your small pairing knifes, utility blades, or other carving tools from your pumpkin carving kit.

2. Find a comfortable position to carve your pumpkin. You may want to hold it in your lap, put it on a table, or have it sitting on the ground, whatever works best for you.

3. Carve along the pattern lines that you have drawn, making sure to cut all the way through the pumpkin skin.

4. Use smaller blades for the finer features and gouging tools to add texture.

5. Be careful! This where people have the greatest chance of cutting themselves. Make sure that you always cut away from yourself.

6. After finishing each of the features, slowly push out the cut-out pumpkin pieces from inside the pumpkin.

7. Throw all of the excess pumpkin pieces in the trash.

Tip: Try to keep your knife blades as sharp as possible. While this may seem like a recipe for bloodshed, it will actually make it less likely for you to cut yourself, as a sharper blade will cut easier and require less cutting force.

We all know the horror of a rotting pumpkin that has quickly grown saggy and shriveled on our front porch. Not a pretty sight. But yours doesn't have to turn out that way. Here are a few ways to help preserve your pumpkin and and protect it from the elements:

1. Rub Vaseline or petroleum jelly on all of the carved edges. This will help prevent the moisture loss that can lead to shriveling.

2. Rub diluted bleach on the insides of the pumpkin. This will help the pumpkin last an extra couple of days.

3. On hot days, move your pumpkins inside or to a dry, shaded area. This will help slow down the decomposition process.

4. WD-40 will also work as a pumpkin preserver, but be careful! Make sure to wait at least 24 hours after spraying it with WD-40 to put your candle in.

5. You can buy a commercial spray on pumpkin preserver, such as Pumpkin Fresh.

Now that your pumpkin carving is complete, you're ready for the final step: illuminating your creation! This is where you will finally get to turn your ordinary pumpkin into a devilish Halloween masterpiece. Here are a few tips on how to light your pumpkin.

1. Most people choose to use a traditional votive candle (usually in a glass candle holder) to illuminate their Jack-o'-Lanterns. You can usually buy votive candles wherever they sell home decorating supplies.

2. Other types of candles can be used as long as they can be secured to the bottom of the pumpkin and are not so big that they light the top of the pumpkin on fire.

3. A simple candle holder can be made by folding tin foil around the base of the candle.

4. A good way to let the heat and smoke escape from your candle is to cut a chimney hole in the lid.

5. Some people choose to use an artificial light in order to illuminate their pumpkins. While they may be safer than having a candle burning, they often don't provide as much light as a regular candle.

6. If you use a candle, make sure to check on it every few hours or so. Try not to leave it unattended for long periods of time.

7. Once you've placed the light inside your pumpkin, replace the lid and watch your Jack-o'-Lantern glow!