- Make sure your pumpkin has a stem; it won’t last very long if it doesn’t.
- The pumpkin needs to have a flat bottom so it won’t roll.
- No holes or soft spots, because they’ll rot.
- Choose a light-colored pumpkin for easier carving, or a dark colored pumpkin for a longer lasting decoration.
Pattern Tips
On the steps of Signal Mountain homes everywhere, pumpkin faces sprout fangs and witches ride their brooms. Maybe you want your carvings to stand out, though. Here are a few things to look at when choosing a pattern:
- Keep in mind who’ll be doing the carving. Smaller children generally have a harder time with detailed carvings.
- Carving patterns should be as large as the pumpkin you’re working with.
- If your design is elaborate, draw it out on paper first. You can’t erase a cut.
- Remember that you have to leave space between the cuts. The pumpkin has to stay together.
Carving Tips
- Before carving, wash the pumpkin and let it dry.
- Use good carving tools – or a sharp knife and a small serrated knife – for the more elaborate designs (unless you want to carve a difficult design with a spoon tip)
- Start at the center of your design and work outwards.
- Use petroleum jelly on the cuts after you’re done so the pumpkin will last longer.
Left-overs
Once you’re done carving, you’ll have a lot of left over pumpkin. Instead of throwing it in the trash, try roasting the pumpkin seeds for a great snack, or using the flesh for a delicious pumpkin pie.
Soon, children will be visiting Signal Mountain homes in mass, and with these tips on pumpkins, patterns and carving (and candy, of course), you can have them oohing and aahing with delight.
Keyword/Tag: Signal Mountain homes
LINKS:
Carving patterns – http://www.pumpkinlady.com/pattern.htm
Carving tools – http://www.pumpkincarvingtools.com/
Roasting pumpkin seeds – http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Roasting-Pumpkin-Seeds/Detail.aspx
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