Gulf Coast Family

If your family is raring to carve pumpkins this year, we’ve got the scoop on how to do it right. Whether it’s simply carving a pumpkin to sit on the door step or holding a pumpkin carving party, the following tips can help make your pumpkin turn out Gourdeous!

Choose your pumpkin

Whether you are picking your pumpkin from a pumpkin patch or a grocery, you will want to select one that is large, ripe, and has no bruises. Look for pumpkins that have at least a 2-inch stem, smooth skin, and are uniformly orange.

Preparing your pumpkin

Clean your pumpkin off outside by washing it with water and a sponge. Keep your pumpkin in a cool place until you are ready to carve. Once you are ready to begin carving your pumpkin, place it on several layers of newspaper for easier cleanup.

Tools and supplies needed

You will need a sharp knife to cut the top, a pumpkin carving knife with teeth, a sharpie marker, a poker tool, and an ice-cream scoop or a big spoon. You will also need vegetable oil.

Select your pattern

When selecting your pattern always keep in mind the shape of your pumpkin. There are hundreds of different patterns that you can choose from online; however beginners should select a simple, but bold pattern.

Clean out your pumpkin

Cut an opening in the top or bottom of your pumpkin. When cutting the opening, make the hole big enough to allow you to clean out the pumpkin easily. Also, when cutting, place the knife at a 45 degree angle so the lid will have a place to rest when you are finished. After the top has been removed, pull out as many seeds and as much “goo” as you can by hand. Then scrape out the inside of the pumpkin using your ice-cream scoop.

Transfer the pattern

Tape your pattern onto the pumpkin. Using your poking tool or a small nail, poke holes through the paper and into the pumpkin, following the lines of the pattern. You can also use a sharpie marker if you simply want to free hand your design.

Carve your pumpkin

Starting at the center of your design, insert your carving saw into a poked line. Begin carefully sawing out each section. When you are finished carving apply a light coating of vegetable oil or petroleum jelly on all of the cuts. This will help the pumpkin to last longer.