How to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro

How to Carve a Pumpkin 

1. Choose the right pumpkin: Choosing the right pumpkin is key to any great pumpkin carving. Depending on the type of face you want to carve, you will either choose a wider pumpkin or a taller pumpkin. For a face a taller pumpking would probably be best, but for an animal or object a wider one will do the trick nicely.



2. Let the Surgery Begin: Decapitating the pumpkin can be the hardest part for many, who aren't sure what type of incision to make. To avoid any pumpkin carving mishaps, use a strong blade and cut the stem in a cone-shape so that it comes out easily and fits back in nicely.


3. Scoop the innards: Using an ice cream scoop usually works the best but you can always just scoop the goop with your hands. Be sure that you don't just remove all the pumpkin seeds but you scrape around the sides as well, starting from the hold opening to the bottom. 


5. Draw the face: It's probably best to us a dry erase marker because if you don't like your drawing, you can erase it.

6. Carving Time: While a kit can be less stressful and harmful, power-tools get the job done neatly and quickly. A jigsaw is perfect for removing chunks (like eyes and the mouth) and a rotary tool can help carve away the skin. For big areas, try using an angle grinder to shape the pumpkin or remove skin.


8. Preserving Your Pumpkin: Everyone knows that pumpkins rot. To avoid the inevitable a little bit longer, try spraying your pumpkin with bathroom cleaner. Not only will it prevent early decay but it helps to keep the bugs, mold, and animals away.
 
Enjoy your pumpkins!