I’m sure you’ve already carved your pumpkins or jack o’ lanterns for this year’s festivities. On the small chance that you haven’t, I’d like to tell you some of my essential pumpkin carving tips and tricks. I love carving pumpkins! It’s my favorite part of Halloween. This post is going to be pretty quick because I know you have carving to get to. If you want to pin this for later and read it when you have more time, here is this pumpkin carving pin over on Pinterest.
How Did Pumpkin Carving Start?
Pumpkin carving is an old tradition that comes from Ireland. There’s a legend about a stingy old man, named Jack, who played a trick on the devil. Creepy right?! Well, Jack was such an unsavory character that when he died, God didn’t want him in heaven, and the devil was so mad at him he didn’t want Jack in hell. The devil gave Jack coal to light his way to roam the earth, and Jack put it in a turnip, thus came the phrase “Jack of the Lantern” which we know as Jack O’ Lantern.
Pumpkin Carving Supplies
A fresh pumpkin
Flour
Candle votive and battery operated candle votive
Need Pumpkin Carving Patterns?
Essential Pumpkin Carving Tips and Tricks
Tip #1
Cut the Bottom out of your Pumpkin, Rather than the Top.
Tip #2
Pick the Side you Want to Carve.
Tip #3
Secure the Image to the Pumpkin with Masking Tape.
Tip #4
Use flour to Make your Holes and Pattern.
Once you’ve done all the tracing, remove your pattern. If you are having a difficult time seeing the image take some flour from your pantry and rub in on the surface of your pumpkin. The flour fills in your holes and shows you the pattern. It helps to know where to cut.
Cutting Tips
Now it’s time to cut. If you are using the carving saws from Pumpkin Masters or any other tool, this next step is important. Start cutting at the center of your pattern and work your way out. Use an “up and down” motion like you would see on a sewing machine. When you need to change directions on your pattern then remove your cutting tool, change direction, and start cutting again using an “up and down” motion. If you try to carve with your wrist, you would most likely break your cutting blade. Remember to move like a sewing machine.
Tip #6
Pop Your Pieces out by Pressing on the Pumpkin from the Inside.
Tip #7
Use a Toothpick to Secure Broken Pieces.
Tip #8
Here are Some Tips to Preserving Your Pumpkin.
There are a few methods I’ve tried, and they all help your pumpkin a last a little longer. You can soak your pumpkin in ice water with bleach. 1 gallon of water to 1 teaspoon of bleach. This prepping also helps to kill any bacteria that will break it down. You can also rub the inside of the pumpkin and the cuttings with petroleum jelly. The vaseline coats the pumpkin and helps it last longer. I soak my pumpkin in the sink or a 10-gallon bucket from Home Depot.
Tip #9
Place Aluminum Foil Under Your Pumpkins to Help Reflect the Light from Your Candles.
Tip #10
Take a photo of your amazing carved pumpkin or Jack O’ Lantern and enjoy compliments from your trick-or-treaters! Have a happy and safe Halloween and I hope you found this post on 10 essential pumpkin carving tips and tricks helpful.
Here are More Ideas for Your Front Porch
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If you need some Halloween porch ideas, you might enjoy these posts, Halloween Front Porch and an Easy Halloween Craft.
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Daidri Smythe
Wow… so many great tips!! Wish I had known a few of these when my boys were little. Especially cutting the bottom instead of the top and using flour to see more clearly where to cut. Genius!!
Janine Waite
I agree with you Daidri! Marci takes this pumpkin carving to another level! :o)
Ken Hwan
My wife is away for the weekend and I want to carve pumpkins with my kids as a fun activity. I really appreciated the tips on carving from the center and working my way out. I am no expert at pumpkin carving and I want to make sure that I am not ruining my kid’s carvings by starting at the wrong spot!
happyhappynester
Glad you found my pumpkin carving post helpful! I didn’t know the cool tips until my friend, Marci taught me! Happy Carving.