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Carving
Jack-O-Lanterns
 What is harvest and Halloween without jack o lanterns? One of the best things
about Halloween is decorating your home or yard for the holiday -- or a Fall
party festival. From large to small, pumpkins make great decorations to
get into the Autumn spirit.
Whether you want your jack-o-lantern to be cute, creepy or downright scary, here are some
pumpkin picking and classic carving tips for some great jack-o-lanterns.
Make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece when you're finished for
unique
Halloween memories.
How to Pick a Perfect Pumpkin
- Take your
camera along to capture the moment.
- If
possible, go straight to the pumpkin patch and hand-pick your pumpkins
right off of the vine. Some farms offer unique varieties such as
miniatures and ghost white pumpkins.
- Grab some
gourds and Indian corn while you're at it and you're all set for Halloween
decorating. Not only is it fun, your pumpkins and gourds will be fresh and
last longer.
- Look for
a well-balanced pumpkin with a steady base.
- Make sure
the stem isn't broken.
- Choose a
solid, not soft or mushy pumpkin.
- The color
should be dark and even, with no fungus.
- Check the
pumpkin for flat spots and molding.
- Never
pick up a pumpkin by the stem, it may break off.
- If you
plan on carving your pumpkin, make sure it's not too small. You will need
ample room for carving out the face.
- After
you've brought it home, leave it in the garage for the night if a freeze
is in the weather forecast.
Carving a Jack 'O Lantern
- Use a
large spoon to scoop out the seeds.
- The rind
should be about 1" thick so it doesn't collapse.
- Map out
your pumpkin face on a piece of paper ahead of time for some ideas.
- Draw the
lines for your lid before carving. Make a special "notch" so the lid is
easy to put on.
- When
using a stencil, pick a pumpkin that is similar in shape to the pattern you
are using.
- Use a
knife long enough to cut through the rind, but not so long that it cuts
the other side.
- When you
carve out the lid, angle your knife slightly towards the center of the
pumpkin. This keeps the lid from falling into the pumpkin.
- If the
base of your pumpkin sets crooked, consider cutting out the bottom to
straighten it out and provide a sturdy base for a candle when you set it
down.
- Draw the
facial features on the pumpkin ahead of time with a pencil or use a
stencil pattern specifically for jack-o-lanterns.
- Don't cut
out the features on your jack-o-lantern too closely together or it's face
will probably weaken and cave in.
- Your
pumpkin will last longer if you use an electric or battery operated
lighting device instead of a candle.
- If you
choose to use a candle, insert an appropriate scented one -- such as
cinnamon, spice or "baked pumpkin pie."
- Coat the
edges of your carving with petroleum jelly to reduce shriveling.
- You don't
have to carve your pumpkin. Consider using a stencil to draw on the face.
Fill in the features with markers or acrylic paint made for crafts.
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