by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: October 09, 2010

Part of the fun of Halloween is going to find the perfect pumpkin. This can involve picking the pumpkin in the field or just at the farm stand. Once the perfect pumpkin has been found it is time to turn that pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern. The way to make this happen is to carve a face into the pumpkin.

Every pumpkin has its own personality. Carving it allows that personality to come out and express itself.

Pick a pumpkin

The first thing that needs to be done is choosing the pumpkin. Not all pumpkins are the same, some are short and round and others are tall and lean. The shape of the pumpkin determines what face will look best on the pumpkin. Look for a pumpkin that has a flat bottom, the jack-o-lantern will need to sit flat so that a candle can be placed inside and shine thought.

Remove the top

The next thing that needs to be done is that the pumpkin must be opened up. Take a sharp knife with at least a two or three  inch blade and cut the stem off of the pumpkin so that it becomes the handle for the lid. The most common method is to square it off. Be sure to allow enough pumpkin to make the lid sturdy. Most of the top of the pumpkin should come off with the stem. You can also purchase a pumpkin carving kit which will provide serrated knives for pumpkin carving.

Scoop the seeds

With a large spoon start to scoop out the seeds and the pulp of the pumpkin. It should be a sturdy spoon. You can use a metal spoon or a wooden spoon but whichever you choose, scrape the pumpkin inside until you are down to the meat and all the seeds and pumpkin pulp have  been removed. Take the pulp and throw it away.  Wash and lay the seeds out on a baking sheet. These can be baked and salted to make a great snack.

Carve

The face can be drawn on the pumpkin prior to carving or it can be carved freehand. Making the first cut in requires a little strength and a very sharp knife. The preferred method is the in and out motion. Put the knife in and pull out having been sure to get through to the inside. Make another cut over lapping the first cut. The usual method is to start small with one of the eyes and then go on to the second eye then the nose. The mouth is the most important since it is going to make the pumpkin either scary or funny. Teeth are optional as are eyebrows. Keep in mind the more pumpkin that is removed, the more light that will come out.  You can purchase a carving kit from most stores during the Halloween season.

Always supervise children using sharp knives.

Light

Once all the cuts have been made the pumpkin is ready to become a jack o lantern. The traditional method is to put a candle inside. A battery operated light can be used in place of the candle. Turn down the light and look at the face that has been created. It is now time to wait for Halloween.

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