Jack-O-Lantern Carving Tips!

CARVING TIPS

Plan on carving no earlier than a day or two before Halloween--jack-o'-lanterns have short "step" lives. And remember to bring your porch pumpkin indoors on nights when the temperature is expected to drop below freezing.

• Draw your design on the pumpkin with a water-based marker beforehand. Mistakes are erased easily with a damp sponge.

• Cut the top and any large areas with a sharp, straight-edged knife. A dull blade is not a safer alternative.

• Serrated metal saws, now widely available in carving kits, are a safer alternative to knives and allow younger children to get in on the action.

• Carve away from yourself; kids should carve only under adult supervision.

• Never hold the knife in a stabbing position.

• When carving, keep a portion of the knife blade in the pumpkin and use slow, steady saw strokes.

• Cut the lid at an angle so the outside diameter is larger than the inside.This prevents the top from falling into the pumpkin when it shrinks.

• Scoop out seeds and stringy flesh with a large spoon or ice cream scooper.

• Carve the facial features closest to the center first and work outward. Cut out the larger features in sections.

• Use an X-Acto knife for details and the tip of a potato peeler to make small circles and curves.

• Remove carved portions by gently pushing them into or out of the pumpkin.

• Reattach a section that is accidentally removed by using a toothpick to pin it back in place.

• Make design holes large enough to provide adequate ventilation for the candle.

• Flatten a spot in the base of the pumpkin for the candle but avoid digging too deep because the pumpkin becomes prone to rot.

• Make sure the flame is not too close to the top of the pumpkin.

• To prolong the life of the jack-o'-lantern, seal in moisture by coating all cut surfaces with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil, or cover it with a damp towel when not on display.

• Consider giving smaller children stickers, tempera paint, or markers to decorate their own pumpkins.

Fall decor!

Over the years we've seen many different creative ideas to ring in fall using pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and more. Here are a few of our favorite!

Use a pie pumpkin (about a 10 inch pumpkin) and scoop out the insides like you are getting ready to carve it. Try not to scrape too closely to the bottom as you don't want the bottom to be thin. Fill the pumpkin about 1/2 full with water and use it as a vase for flowers! This will often last a couple weeks but keep an eye on the skin for bulges or cracks as after time, it may leak. Always put a plate or dish underneath the pumpkin just in case your vase eventually springs a leak!

Another beautiful fall centerpiece includes a variety of gourds of all shapes, textures and sizes, placed in a fall basket or platter. This looks nice in the center of your kitchen table or coffee table. Be sure to scrub your gourds to remove any dirt or bugs that may have come home with them from the farm!

As an alternative to traditional pumpkin carving try sketching a "dotted" design on the outside of your pumpkin. After scooping out the insides, use a drill to poke holes in the design you have sketched on the outside of your pumpkin. After your design is "drilled" out, use outdoor Christmas lights to fill your pumpkin. Plug them in and your design will shine through!

Have fun!