Tips for carving the perfect Jack O Lantern
By: Jeri Beumel
By: Jeri Beumel
Finding The Perfect Pumpkin
- Go to the pumpkin patch! Find a local pumpkin farm, I think it adds to the Halloween experience and is great fun for kids. It's even better if you can cut them off the vine yourself. This way you can leave a little extra stem, (which adds to the aesthetics off your pumpkin)
- Check all sides of your pumpkin, looking to see if there are any soft spots. This is especially important if picking your pumpkin right off the ground at a pumpkin patch.
- See if your pumpkin will sit upright without tipping over. You cannot have a successful Jack O Lantern if he is going to fall over all the time. (However, don't rule out all imperfections. I think a lopsided pumpkin has a lot of character as long as it can stay up.)
- Make sure the stem on your pumpkin is sturdy. A missing or loose stem is not ideal for carving. Try to find a pumpkin with an unusually curvy stem or with a bushy top, it can add a lot of silliness to your Jack.
- Be sure to place your pumpkin in a cool and dry environment before carving. This helps maintain its freshness before you begin carving.
- Clean the dirt off of your pumpkin before you begin.
- Lay out newspapers and have all of your tools ready. It's about to get messy.
- Have a bowl ready for the seeds.
- You'll need a set of tools to help you carve your pumpkins.
- I like the carving kits you find at any discount retailer. If you're heavy handed like me and break your tools, buy two sets.
- Don't be tempted to use the stencils they give you in the book. You'll feel a much better sense of accomplishment for designing your own, plus this is a great way for children to express their creativity.
- Cut the top of the pumpkin off. Don't cut straight down! You'll need to cut at an angle or the lid might fall through.
- Scoop the seeds and pulp into the bowl.
- Scrape the inside of your pumpkin to thin the flesh and make it even.
- Clean the outside of your pumpkin as to get a better grip for carving.
Carving Your Pumpkin
- Sharp objects should be handled by adults only
- After you have done a rough draft drawing of your pumpkin, spin your pumpkin around until you find the side that's best for carving.
- I either use a wax pen to sketch out the design or use the pounce wheel to etch it out.
- Let the kids that are too young to carve draw the face of their design on a sheet of paper and copy it to the pumpkin for them.
- Begin! I always start with the mouth then adjust the eyes to make sure the Jack is looking in the right direction
- If the kids are too young to carve, give them an opportunity to help by letting them pop out the pieces you've carved.
- If you accidentally cut out a piece that's supposed to be in your design, you can use a paper clip to snap it back in.
- For extra macabre, use the seeds and pulp for brains, vomit or guts. It adds to the gruesomeness of your Jack.
- To preserve your carved pumpkin, you will want to soak it in cold water for at least an hour after it has been carved.
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can be rubbed on the edges where the pumpkin is carved to help prevent shriveling.
Displaying Your Jack O Lantern
- Put the Jack in the front of your house proudly for everyone to see.
- One of the best choices for lighting your carved pumpkin is a votive candle placed in a clear glass. This makes lighting your Jack O Lantern safer and will help the pumpkin last longer.
- A tea-light candle works well for smaller pumpkins.
- Of course, manufacturers have come out with lights for pumpkins, which you can purchase, these will cost a bit more than buying candles but are a safe alternative to an open flame.
I hope you enjoyed your pumpkin carving experience as much as I did! - Jeri
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