When thinking of Halloween, a carved pumpkin is one of the first images that comes to mind. Here are some tips to help you take part in this great Halloween tradition.

1. The first step is to find the perfect pumpkin. You can find them at the grocery store, flea markets, or in pumpkin patches on the side of the road. Choosing a pumpkin is completely a matter of preference, so pick one that looks good to you.

2. Once you get your pumpkin home, you may want to clean it off. Wiping it down with a damp paper towel should take care of the dirt.

3. Now its time to choose a sharp knife and carve a circle or hexagon around the stem of the pumpkin. Make sure to push the knife far enough in to get all the way through the outer rind. Once you’ve carved all the way around, grasp the step firmly and pull it upward. The top should come loose. If it doesn’t, you may have to cut in a little deeper.

4. Once the top has been removed, you’ll need to scoop out the pulp. A large metal spoon is a great tool for this project. Save the seeds if you want to bake them later for a holiday treat.

5. Now use a marker or pencil and draw the design you want on your pumpkin. This could be the traditional carved face, a scary black cat, witch, or anything else you can think of. Make the features big and keep in mind that curved lines will be harder to carve than straight ones.

6. Use the knife to carve out the pieces you’ve drawn on your pumpkin. If children want to take part in this, be sure there is an adult to supervise. Once you’ve carved all the way around a piece, push it outwards until it pops out of the pumpkin.

7. Once your pumpkin is carved, choose a small candle, place it inside, and light it. At this point you can put the top of the pumpkin back on and turn out the lights. Enjoy your spooky new pumpkin.

Carved Pumpkins