These simple pumpkin carving tips make the process magically easywith spectacular results.
(Don’t even get us started onpumpkin stencils.)
To prevent your ambitions from turning into viral fails, try some of these simple tips for pumpkin carving.
Marcia Straub/Getty Images
Choose Your Pumpkin Wisely
Before heading to apumpkin patch, have a design in mind.
Some patterns need more width or height, and pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes.
(For example, a taller pumpkin is best if you know you’ll be adding a candle.)
Evrymmnt/Getty Images
After picking your pumpkin, check for ripeness by knocking on the outer surface.
A hollow sound means the fruit is riper, making it easier to carve.
Then, place the pumpkin on a flat surface and check for stabilityno wobble is best!
Sebastian Condrea/Getty Images
Instead, sketch your design onto the pumpkin with a forgiving dry-erase marker.
If you want to redo your pattern, simply wipe it off with a damp paper towel.
Grab Your Ice Cream Scoop
Sally Anscombe/Getty Images
Use an ice cream scoop to gut your pumpkin.
SeventyFour/Getty Images
The pre-cut designs will be easier to work with.
Use a drill (cordless drillswork great) to create holes in a pumpkin of almost any size.
(A smaller Dremel drill may be best for fine detail work.)
Image(s) by Sara Lynn Paige / Getty Images
Wipe down and dry off your pumpkin before drilling so stray pumpkin guts won’t make the surface slippery.
It’ll help keep mold at bay, and make it less attractive to wildlife, too.
After a couple of minutes, the room will smell likepumpkin spice.
Sally Anscombe/Getty Images
Rub the inside of your pumpkin with petroleum jelly, too, for added protection against rotting.
Plus, you’re able to reuse the candle each year and minimize fire threats.
Someflameless candleseven mimic a candle’s flickering motion.
Jennifer A Smith/Getty Images
Place the jar in the pumpkin for a gentle glow.
This way, you get a beautiful displaywithout the fire hazard.
Use a thumbtack to pierce small holes around the outline of the design.
Wirestock/Getty Images
After removing the stencil, sprinkle the surface with baby powder to make carving simpler.
The tiny holes will be filled with the powder, making them easier to see.
Use a lino cutter, a tool typically used forcarving linoleum tiles, to easily create intricate designs.
Tim Kitchen / Getty Images
As you etch, hold your pumpkin steady and keep your hand out of the way of the blade.
Simply apply it with a paintbrush for a unique take on carved pumpkins.
(Be careful they don’t come into contact with a lit candle.)
mphillips007/Getty Images
Small pieces work great as ears, tongues, noses, and limbs.
Attach the extra parts to the pumpkin using toothpicks and have fun with your designs.
Get creative and attach with toothpicks, staples, hot glue, or craft glue.
Towfiqu Barbhuiya / EyeEm / Getty Images
Paint Your Pumpkin
For a unique spin on your carved pumpkin, paint it a different color.
Use acrylic paint or spray paint to create your look.
From painting on designs to using pushpins to form a pattern, there are plenty ofno-carve pumpkin ideasout there.
Carve a jack-o'-lantern for your bedroom.Tetra Images/Getty Images
It’s an easy way to create a jack-o'-lantern to enjoy all season.
JUN LI/Getty Images
CentralITAlliance/Getty Images
Getty Images
tmcnem/Getty Images
Elena Fantasia/Getty Images
Aukid Phumsirichat / EyeEm / Getty Images
Alberto Jose Moreno jurado/Getty Images
YoImages / Getty Images
Getty Images
Don Penny; Styling by Vanessa Boer
