Scare Up Some Fun With Crafty Halloween Pumpkins
| 2 min read
The Jack-o-Lantern may be one of the most iconic representations of Halloween, but pumpkin carving has evolved into a form of artistic expression, inspiring creative designs, such as:
- The Mona Lisa
- Albert Einstein
- The Carousel
Carving your own creation? It’s important to begin by tracing an outline of your design with a marker. If you’re using a template (try some of these awesome Detroit Tigers-themed templates!), cut out the pattern and tape it to the pumpkin to trace.
Once you’ve outlined your design, start cleaning the pumpkin. If you’re working at the kitchen table, line the table with a plastic garbage bag to avoid a gooey mess.
When cleaning and carving remember to:
- Carve the top of the pumpkin at an angle with a sharp knife to avoid the lid falling through into the pumpkin.
- Use an ice-cream scoop to scrape the insides to get the pulp and seeds.
- Save the seeds! Toasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy and easy-to-make seasonal snack.
Safety First!
- Purchase a pumpkin carving kit. They’re available at various retailers and grocers. They’re relatively inexpensive, and include serrated metal tools, which are a much safer alternative to sharp knives.
- Use a flameless, electric candle instead of the conventional tea light to avoid having an open flame.
If you would rather avoid the potential mess and effort involved in carving a pumpkin, consider using paint to decorate the seasonal staple, or even adhesive rhinestones to add some shine.
Make a day or night of it by hosting a pumpkin-carving party, inviting friends to bring their own pumpkins and tools, along with a healthy fall-themed snack. Carving pumpkins is always more fun with friends!
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Photo credit: Amelia Extra (feature)
