Class is in session! Welcome to Pumpkin Carving 101 – perfect for beginners and seasoned carvers alike! First things first: When picking your pumpkin, search for one with smooth skin. This provides an easier and cleaner cut.
Beginner Skills
For your littlest buddies, encourage simple designs, like the tried and true happy pumpkin. If your goblin is asking for something a little more intricate but want to carve it themselves, suggest their favorite shapes, or get creative with candy corn!
To help budding pumpkin artists, try the ‘poke’ tool that comes with traditional carving kits. This will aid in the strength needed for cutting the shapes in their pumpkin design. Always help your kids with their knife skills to ensure your pumpkin carving party is all fun and no fright!
Want to stay away from the knives this year? Try a cookie cutter! Pick out the shapes and designs at your local craft store and help them hammer out the design. No knives needed, just use a little mallet!
Intermediate Skills, a.k.a. King of Pumpkin Skills
Perhaps your little ghost isn’t so little anymore and has his eye on the pumpkin carving contest prize. Skip the carving and try etching! Etching can leave an artful and intricate design on your pumpkin without having to completely clean out the insides. If you can’t decide on a design, search the internet for a template. Print and attach the template using pins or tacks and cut along the lines with a non-serrated paring knife. Just be careful to not puncture through to the other side. Next, simply peel the skin off to reveal a lighter orange shade. Finish with a coat of petroleum jelly to ensure the pumpkin doesn’t rot too fast.
Still looking for that traditional carving experience, but not sure what to create? Do an online search! Pinterest and other sources have more ideas and templates than you could ever want, at all skill levels. Create a creepy graveyard, a zombie apocalypse, or a portrait of your favorite Halloween character. You are the artist and the pumpkin is your canvas. Have fun and Happy Halloween!
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