Although it isn’t really rocket science to carve a pumpkin, it’s good to have a plan. Carving the pumpkin is a very common activity during Halloween, and is a favorite pastime for most families. Both children and adults can have fun with what they carve, and this article will tell you how to go about mastering this incredible activity.
Steps
- It is a good idea to pick a pumpkin which can last for a long time, since it is likely to be used beyond Halloween as well. Getting a large and fresh one would give you the best start. Always try to get one with a flat base, so that its carvings can be displayed easily.
- You need to prepare the workstation for this job. It should be done in a place where you don’t mind getting messy. Ensure that you line the kitchen tabletop or the outdoor work surface with something which can be disposed of later, such as newspaper, butcher paper, or useless grocery bags.
- Get the proper tools to carve the pumpkin. A serrated knife would work well to cut off the top portion. Pumpkin carving kits are also available.
- Decide the design you wish to create before starting the job. You may use a light marker pen to make a face, eyes and nose on the pumpkin. Get a couple of big bowls to keep the pumpkin goo and seeds aside, which you will need to remove with ladles. You would do well to keep the pumpkin seeds and then roast them with just salt and oil to enjoy as a tasty snack.
- Make use of a kitchen towel to wipe the pumpkin
- Use the knife to cut out the marked portions to reveal your interesting caricature
- You could put a tealight into the pumpkin and light it up to reveal a person
More creative uses for your pumpkin
Making a Jack-o-Lantern is a very common use of the pumpkin, but did you know that you could stretch your imagination even further with this fruit? Here’s how:
- You can create wax candles from a pumpkin. First you need to scoop the seeds out and carve it. Add molten wax and a wick to make a rustic candle
- Make a soup bowl out of it by slicing away the top and scooping away the seeds and flesh
- Removing the seeds and pulp can help you use the pumpkin to prepare your own chiller, with ice cubes, wine bottles, soda cans, and other beverages
- Use the scooped out pumpkin to house beautiful flowers, especially when you want to give a DIY gift to your mother
- Recreate a small outdoor or indoor garden by putting pumpkins within green plants
Take precautions while carving
Always ensure that you are careful while carving the pumpkin, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Do not choose a knife with very sharp edges. Keep the fruit in an area where you can look at the entire pumpkin easily, instead of only a part of it. Also, to be on the safer side, it would be a good idea to keep a bit of toothpaste by your side, just in case you do get a small wound.
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