What you will need:
-One or more pumpkins or watermelons. Choose pumpkins with a
rounded surface that are rich in colour, with no wormholes, nicks,
bruises, dents or cuts and a sturdy stem, which is the sign of a
healthy pumpkin. Although lighter-coloured pumpkins are easier to
carve, they do not last as long. Pick up the pumpkin and shake it.
If it feels heavy and you can hear a slushy sound, it is a sign that
it is rotting
-Carving Tools (see below)
-Candles. Oil-burning, liquid candles last longer, but these
do not extinguish themselves, so it is crucial that these are not
left unattended. Votive candles placed in clear, heat-proof
holders are safer and also have a longer life span than traditional
candles, with white candles giving off the most light. There are
safer alternatives such as glo-sticks, which are chemical filled
plastic tubes that glow for hours, battery powered "tap lights", a
40 watt bulb, or even Christmas tree lights
-Felt pens or magic markers, which are the safest way for
children to help you transfer your pattern onto the pumpkin
Preparing and Preserving the Pumpkin
-Wash the pumpkin in water to remove any residual mud and
then add a little bleach to a bowl of water and soak the pumpkin,
which helps to kill any insects or fungi
-Rub all of the cut surfaces with petroleum jelly to prevent
from drying out
-Space permitting, keep the carved pumpkins in the
refrigerator to prevent premature decomposition
-You can buy Pumpkin Preserver, a non-toxic, environmentally-
friendly spray that helps to prolong the life of carved pumpkins or,
alternatively, you can keep the pumpkin moist by spraying with a
plant mister. Make sure, however, that when you put the pumpkin
out on display that you dry it properly to prevent mould from forming
Carving Tools
Some experts advise using a special pumpkin tool set and although
this can be purchased relatively inexpensively, it is not absolutely
necessary. However, if older children are helping in the carving
process, it is advisable to use a children's saw, with non-sharp
edges. Younger children should never carve, but can help draw the
faces, for example. Most of the required tools can be found in your
kitchen or garage as follows:
-A sharp kitchen knife, with a long, durable blade should
suffice for cutting the top hole and any other large pieces
-A tool for scooping out the pulp, such as a large spoon,
soup ladle or ice-cream scoop
-A small, a paring knife can be used for smaller details
-A poker tool, such as an ice pick, a metal nail file, an
artist's stylus tool or even an ordinary household nail can be used
for transferring the design onto the pumpkin
Choosing and Transferring a Design
There are many online sites that offer free design templates that
you can download and re-size according to personal preference. Your
children can draw their own design onto a piece of paper, which can
then be pinned onto the pumpkin whilst you trace the design with a
nail or small knife or, alternatively, use a poker tool to make
holes through the paper drawing, which can make the cutting process
easier. Spreading a little flour or baking power over the holes will
make them more visible. However, one of the quickest methods is to
copy your child's design directly onto the pumpkin with a felt tip
or marker pen.
Carving The Pumpkin
-To minimise mess, place the pumpkin on a large black bin
liner or on several pieces of newspaper
-Cut open the top of the pumpkin using a sawing motion,
whilst angling the knife at approximately 45º, so that when you
replace the lid, it has a "shelf" to sit on and does not fall in.
Pentagonal or hexagonal shapes are the easiest with which to work.
If you are using candles, make sure the hole is large enough to
allow ventilation. Cut a notch the back of the lid and the lantern
as a guide for replacing and removing the lid. This also allows
heat to escape if using real candles
-Scoop out the flesh and the seeds, making sure the base of
the inside pumpkin is nice and flat, so that it can support a candle
or light
-When you are ready to work on the body of the pumpkin, begin
from the centre of the design and work outwards, since the pumpkin
becomes weaker each time you remove a piece
-Your carving tool should be held like a pencil, should
always be perpendicular to the surface of the pumpkin and should be
used in a slow, sawing motion
-Cut pieces should always be pushed out with your fingers
rather than the tool, but if an extra piece breaks off accidentally,
you can patch it up by placing a couple of toothpicks into broken
off area and pushing the piece back into place
-Before placing your choice of lighting inside your lantern,
make sure you scrape the back of the pumpkin to a smooth surface to
avoid the casting of any unwanted shadows
Quick Tips
-Put the pumpkin on its side and use the stem as an effective
nose
-Put a sound sensor in the pumpkin so that it lights up
whenever anyone approaches
-If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, soak it in water overnight
Helpful Books:
-Pumpkin Carving:
How to Create Glowing Lanterns and Seasonal
Displays
by Deborah Schneebli-Morell-available from Barnes and Noble
-
Pumpkin Decorating by Vicki Rhodes available from Powell's Bookshop.
-
Scary Scenes for Halloween by Jill Williams Grover from Powell's Bookshop.
About the Author:
Jan Andersen is a Freelance Writer and Copywriter and the creator of
three websites: Mothers Over 40, an
inspirational and encouraging site for older parents; Child Suicide
, a supportive resource for
depressed youngsters and families who have lost a child to suicide
and World Writer, a comprehensive
resource for writers. In addition to commercial copywriting for a
broad spectrum of industries, Jan specialises in compelling
articles, features and columns on diverse lifestyle issues.
©Jan Andersen 2003
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