Pumpkin Carving Tips

One of my favorite family traditions is our annual “Hallo-weenie” Roast on Halloween night. My brother and sister-in-law are huge Halloween fanatics. The house is decorated inside and out. They set up the grill, tables, chairs, lights, and cook hotdogs, chips, drinks and play “spooky” Halloween music for all the neighborhood Halloween parents and kids to enjoy.

I still have not mastered the art of carving a pumpkin. I’ve watched my brother-in-law for years, but I just can’t get the hang of it.  Being that this year is my little ones “1^st Halloween” I think it’s about time I step up to the plate.

So, I’ve done some research and here’s what I’ve come up with to help me out.

What you need:

• Pumpkin
• Design template
• Sharp knife
• Sharp nail
• Spoon
• Gloves (only if you don’t like to touch the stringy slimy pumpkin innards)
• Garbage or trash can
• Scotch tape
• Sharpie permanent marker
• Newspaper

Instructions:

1. Buy a pumpkin. If possible support your local pumpkin patch or non-profit organizations (churches, schools, etc)
2. Download a pumpkin design template from internet that you love
3. Find the best side of your pumpkin; then line up and tape template.
4. Score holes along template with a sharp thin nail
5. Connect the dots using Sharpie Marker
6. For easy clean up; place pumpkin on top of newspaper
7. Cut the stem of the pumpkin approximately 3 inches from the stem in a circular motion (at a 45 degree angle pointing in.) Make sure it is large enough to stick your hand inside to remove pumpkin innards
8. Once all the stringy slim is removed, carve with sharp knife…. (Please be advised this is NOT an activity for young children! Knives are very dangerous and any/all children should be supervised at all times.)
9. You can add no-flame battery operated candle

Take pictures of your carved pumpkin and HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN