From the top!
Sit your pumpkin down and decide what side you want to be the front.
If your pumpkin just doesn't want to sit straight, cut a small portion off
the bottom to level your pumpkin.
When cutting out the lid create a notch in the back or cut out a hexagon
shape to make the lid easy to put back on. Cut at an angle so the lid lies
on the top of the pumpkin and does not fall through.
Pull and scrap out all the seeds and gooey pumpkin strands. If the walls
of your pumpkin are thick remove some of the flesh as well.
Wipe off the pumpkin if it get messy.
Create your own special design. Draw it on paper first to work out the
details. Speaking of details, if this is your first pumpkin don't make the
details to fine or minute, as they get tricky to cut out.
For kids let them draw the face right on the pumpkin with a pencil or pen.
For fancier designs make a paper pattern. Cut away excess paper from the
pattern with scissors and attach the pattern to the pumpkin with tape.
Now poke holes with a pumpkin poker (a pushpin or an ice pick will work)
along the design lines. You do not need to push the poker all the way into
the pumpkin your goal it to make a guide for cutting. Where there is more
detail poke more holes.
Remove the pattern.
Using the detail saw (or a paring knife) cut out the design. Hold the tool
like a pencil and use it like a saw, gently going back and forth don't cut
or try to slice, the pumpkin is thick and the tool is fragile and you may
break the tool and/or hurt yourself.
Tips:
Work the small areas first. Do the large pieces last to keep the pumpkin
stable.
Work from the center of your design outward.
Don't bend or twist the cutting tool.
When cutting sharp corners remove the tool and re-insert it at another
angle.
Push cut pieces out from the inside with your finger.
You can light your pumpkin with a candle or a glow stick.
If using a candle cut a hole in the bottom the same size of your candle or
make a candleholder out of aluminum foil to steady your candle. Now, light
your candle and let burn a minute or two with the lid on. Check the lid of
your pumpkin. Where there is a black spot cut out a "chimney"
for the smoke to escape. Your pumpkin will last much longer this way.
Take your time and have fun. From start to finish plan to spend an hour to
an hour and a half.
Remember to video tape those little ones they are really cute when it's
pumpkin time.
Make your jack-'o-lanterns smell really good.
Sprinkle the lid of the pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg. When the candle
is burning it will smell like pumpkin pie. |