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Carving a pumpkin is a fun fall tradition. Jack-O-Lanterns make great Halloween decorations for your front porch or steps, to put on your buffet table as an accent, or to use as a decoration at a Halloween party. Note: small children should decorate pumpkins rather than carve them.
Supplies You Will Need:
 Pick the perfect pumpkin or find it at a local farm stand or other garden store
A pumpkin carving kit (purchase in store) or a sharp knife
Pumpkin Carving Preparation:
Since carving a pumpkin can be messy, make sure to cover your work surface with newspaper or some other disposable, protective covering for easy clean up.
If you are using a pumpkin carving kit, find the stencil that you want to use. Otherwise make some sketches of what you'd like your Jack-O-Lantern to look like.
Hollowing Your Pumpkin
Cut a circle around the stem of your pumpkin, leaving enough distance between the stem and where you are cutting. (At least one inch).
Once you are able to pull the top off, scoop out the inside of your pumpkin. If you want to bake the seeds for a fun snack later, scoop the inside of your pumpkin out into a clean bowl and set aside.
Pumpkin Carving
If using a pumkin carving kit, follow the instructions that came with it. If you are using a sketch, find the sketch that you like best and mimic that with a pencil on your pumpkin. This will help you to make lines for carving.
Once you have drawn your masterpiece, begin carving your pumpkin! Using your knife, cut on the lines you have drawn, into where the pumpkin is hollow, then remove the pieces.
Once your pumpkin is complete, use a candle or a flashlight to light your Jack-O-Lantern and place the top back onto your pumpkin! (Small flashlights are safe ways to light a pumpkin.)
Decorating A Pumpkin:
Decorating a pumpkin can be just as much fun as carving one! Decorating a pumpkin is a great project for children who are too small to handle cutting tools. Children will enjoy decorating with glue, art supplies, stickers, plastic eyes, pipe cleaners, and other decorating supplies found at iParty or even around the house.
Making a Snack of Pumpkin Seeds:
Heat your oven to 350 degrees. Clean off everything you've scooped out of your pumpkin. Separate the stringy stuff from your seeds. Seeds should be rinsed & dried with a paper towel. Spray your baking sheet with non-stick spray, put the seeds on the pan spread out so they are not on top of each other. Add salt or other seasonings for extra flavor if desired. Cook for about 8 minutes and then turn your seeds using a spatula. Cook for another 8 minutes. Let them cool & enjoy! |
