by Susan Quilty

Created on: October 31, 2008   Last Updated: January 10, 2009

A trip to the pumpkin patch is a fun fall tradition for many kids and adults. There are several great ways to decorate the pumpkins you bring home. Adding a candle gives your pumpkin carving a haunting glow. Pumpkin painting can give your pumpkin a creative face or all-over Halloween designs.

Decorating pumpkins is a great group activity. It's a fun way to finish up a day at the pumpkin patch and gets everyone into the spirit of the season. Just a little simple planning will have you designing the best pumpkins on the block.

Picking Pumpkins

Whether you plan to carve or paint your pumpkin, you want to begin with a smooth canvas. While at the pumpkin patch, look for pumpkins that are free of bruises and cracks. Damaged pumpkins will deteriorate faster than fresh ones.

If possible, set your pumpkin candidates on a flat surface to make sure they sit evenly. Think about your decorating plans. If you plan to put a face or other design on one side of the pumpkin make sure there is one nice smooth area. If you're going to paint a design on the whole pumpkin, find one with a pleasing shape all around.

Simple Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin carving can range from simple faces to detailed, intricate designs. Following some simple tips will make carving a happy, and safe, experience.

1. Clean the pumpkin before you begin and use a water-based marker to draw your design. It will be easily washed away after you carve.

2. Have an adult carve the top lid with a sharp knife. The edge of the lid can be a circle or have jagged edges, but make sure they are cut at an angle with the inside of the pumpkin narrower than the top edge. This keeps the lid from falling inside.

3. Scoop out the seeds and pumpkin mash with a large spoon and scrape the inside edges to make sure they are clean and smooth.

4. Use pumpkin carving saws to safely carve the rest of the design. Pumpkin carving kits are available at many stores including grocery stores and discount stores and often include additional carving tools.

5. Keep the saw partially inside the pumpkin and cut away from yourself with a sawing motion.

6. Press the cut pieces out of the pumpkin. Pieces that are accidentally cut or broken off can be reattached with toothpicks. Just poke a toothpick halfway into the pumpkin and slide the cut piece onto the other end.

7. To make your pumpkin last longer, rub all of the cut areas with petroleum jelly and cover it with a damp towel when not on display. Pumpkins do deteriorate quickly, so plan your pumpkin carving

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>