Pumpkin Carving 101
Here are some basic carving tips that will help you create a jack-o'-lantern that would make Martha Stewart proud.
P R I Z E P U M P K I N
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This year's Circleville Pumpkin Show doesn't start until Oct. 19.
Last year, local grower Robert Liggett claimed first place with his 1,353-pounds pumpkin!
Second place was Ren Speakman's pumpkin at 1,092 pounds. Liggett's 1,069-pound pumpkin claimed third!
- Circleville Pumpkin Show
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R E L A T E D L I N K S
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 Jack-O-Lantern.com
Pumpkin Carving 101
Pumpkin Nook
WCPO.com neither endorses nor guarantees the content or availability of external links.
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GETTING STARTED
Begin by drawing a five- or six-sided lid on top. Making your lid round will make it more difficult to place it back on top. Cut the the six sided lid at an angle towards the center of the pumpkin. This angle will help to keep the lid from falling into the jack-o'-lantern.
For odd-shaped pumpkins that have trouble standing on their own, you can cut off the bottom. By cutting straight across the bottom of the pumpkin,
you will provide a stable base.
GUTTING THE PUMPKIN
Scrape the insides of the pumpkin clean. This can be done using hands, spoons or specially designed pumpkin carving scoops. It is recommended to clean the inside of the pumpkin thoroughly and remove the inside of the rind until it is 1" to 1 1/2" inches thick.
CREATING THE JACK-O'-LANTERN
Draw your jack-o'-lantern's face on the pumpkin or attach stencil to the face of the pumpkin. Once finished, create small perforations around the design. This can be done using a small screwdriver, ice pick or other specially designed pumpkin carving tools. The perforations should be 1/8" to 1/4" apart. The perforations should not go all the way through the rind of the pumpkin. If your pattern is very intricate you should
try to place the perforations as close together as possible.
CARVING YOUR PUMPKIN
For best results it is recommended to use a small knife or detailing saw. Many pumpkin carving kits will contain two or three small plastic handled saws. However, small household knives will work as well. Begin by connecting the dots on your pumpkin from the inside of the design out. This prevents putting pressure on the parts of the jack-o'-lantern. that have already been removed.
PLACING THE CANDLE
Bore a hole the size of the candle in the bottom of the jack-o'-lantern. Place the candle firmly into the hole. This will allow the jack-o'-lantern to be lit while it is on its side and prevent burning your hand. You should also bore a hole into the lid of the jack-o'-lantern to allow heat to escape. You can also remove a small portion of the lid. This will prevent burning and delay decay of the jack-o'-lantern.
