How to Carve a Pumpkin

Tooties the Authors First Pumpkin

Many years ago none of my friends or family were in the Halloween spirit. the day before Halloween I decided to carve a pumpkin, determined to pull some feeling of festivity into my life. So I went to the store and bought the very last lopsided pumpkin. Having never carved a pumpkin before, I was determined to conquer the experience and soak every drop of holiday spirit out of it. Four hours later I emerged from my house covered head to toe with pumpkin guts, a knife in one hand and my ghastly creation in the other. I am here to share my victories and mistakes for the betterment of pumpkin slaughtering everywhere.

Step 1 – Buy a Pumpkin

I know right? What a twist. Picking up a pumpkin is easy. Trying to find the perfect one is not. Although getting one that’s symmetrical and lacking in physical flaws is preferred, it is not always possible. Most physical flaws can be taken care of, and a lopsided can force the designer to be creative.

Step 2 – Picking /Drawing Your Design

Go to Google and type in “carved pumpkin” for inspiration. The amount of things that can be done (and have been done) to pumpkins is mind boggling. For someone who has never done it before, I suggest something simple like a scary face or a very simple silhouette. When drawing your design I suggest using a pencil. I know that sharpies are tempting, but something that you can erase will be immensely less stressful, trust me. When drawing, keep in mind the pumpkins flaws, careful placement of the negative shapes (the areas that will be carved out) can get rid of almost any disfiguration.

Step 3 – Gutting the Pumpkin

Using a knife (my favorite is a steak knife) cut a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter around the stem. Removing it should give you the first glimpse of the pumpkin’s innards. What tool is the best for extracting the squishy stringy center? Your hands. Pull the orange gooiness out, and place it in a large container (pumpkin pie, yumm). Pay close attention to the walls of the pumpkin, bits and pieces can cling here obstructing the design after the pumpkin has dried.

Step 4 – Carving the Pumpkin

Depending on your design you may need a large variety of knives. From paring knives to fillet knives. Paring knives can be used for small details, but aren’t very good at cutting through the thick skin. Fillet knifes vice versa. As stated above, I like steak knives, especially ones with teeth. The small blade makes it easier to maneuver in tight corners and the teeth easy saw through the impenetrable flesh.

Step 5 – Light it up

Place a candle within (white is best), light it, place the stem back on and you’re done!