Select a pumpkin that is ripe, has no bruises, cuts or nicks.
Do not carry a pumpkin by its stem; it may break, and do not
bruise it as it will not last as long.
For an easy post-carving cleanup, place your pumpkin on several
layers of newspaper before carving.
Kids: have a parent or other adult
cut a circle around the stem of the pumpkin for you. They should
use a sharp knife with long, sturdy blade for best and safest
results.
Parents: knives are very sharp,
so make sure that the proper supervision is maintained when the
children carve their pumpkins.
Make sure the hole is large enough to reach in and pull out the
seeds and stringy membrane.
The bottom of the pumpkin could also be cut off instead, this
will allow the pumpkin to sit up straight and make removing the
seeds easier!
When cleaning out the pumpkin, use and old soup ladle to get
out the seeds.
Try carving a bigger pumpkin, it is easier to carve than a regular
pumpkin.
Examine your pumpkin to determine the best place to carve his
or her face.
Draw an outline of a face on a plain sheet of white paper (use
simple bold features).
Tape your paper to the pumpkin where you want the face to be.
Score the design onto the pumpkin by punching through the paper
into the pumpkin with a large nail or pin.
Carefully cut out the design following the holes that were "punched"
with your plastic knife.
When you are finished cutting, simply push out the pieces to
view the final results.
Now you're all set to light up your home on Halloween night!
Have Fun!
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