With Halloween coming up in just a few weeks, it’s time to start getting into the spirit of the holiday. And what better way then some good old fashioned pumpkin carving? Now, I know what you’re thinking: pumpkin carving is hard, messy and it can get pretty expensive when you have to purchase all of the necessary tools. Here are a few tips to make pro pumpkin carving fun, easy and mess-free!
1. Hate Pumpkin Guts? Go Plastic!
Have you heard of plastic pumpkins? They’re easy to carve just like the real thing, but hollow! And that means no guts or seeds to clean up! (Though the seeds do make for a tasty snack for later when baked in the oven.) You can find these at your local craft store in different sizes.
2. Pick a Pattern.
There is no need to run to the store to buy a pricey book of pumpkin carving patterns. Simply find a picture of what you would like to carve into your pumpkin, print it out and make sure it will fit on the face of the pumpkin (usually the flattest/smoothest side). Tape the pattern onto the pumpkin; you will need to fold the pattern in order for it to lay flat on the curved face of the pumpkin.
3. Use Tools You Already Have in Your Room!
First, you need something with a sharp point on the end in order to poke holes into the pumpkin along the lines of the image/pattern you have chosen to put on your pumpkin. I would recommend a push pin, a thumb tack or a fork for this part. Once you have traced the lines with one of these tools, remove the paper pattern taped to your pumpkin, and you should be able to see the pattern in the dotted lines that you poked into your pumpkin.
Now you can begin carving out the pieces! In the pattern pictured above, the darker area is what you want to carve out of the pumpkin. If you don’t know which part to carve out, a general rule to follow is to leave the main subject in the pumpkin and carve out the space around it.
Now, no one in dorms has pumpkin-carving knives laying around. Any knife will do, but for those who do not have these, use a key! It is much safer for the amateur pumpkin-carver, and still is sharp enough to cut through a pumpkin. I like to think of this process as connecting the dots. Carve along the lines made by all the little holes you poked as you traced your pattern with a push pin or other tool, then carve out those dark pieces. And voila! Your masterpiece is now complete.
4. Light It Up!
To light up your final product, be sure to use a battery-operated light to put inside your pumpkin! You can find flickering lights that mimic the light of a candle, and you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing it out (especially if you plan on putting your pumpkin outside). Plus, the last thing you want is to set off the smoke alarms in your residence hall!
Happy Halloween!