Fall is finally here, and while the weather remains in the 70s we know it won’t last. There are so many fun things to do this time of year, but pumpkin carving is especially unique to fall. I take my pumpkin carving very seriously, always striving for the perfect creation. There are a few tricks to this autumn art form, and each one is equally important to carving the perfect pumpkin.
1. Picking the perfect pumpkin. This step is the first, but perhaps one of the most challenging. Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to select the best one carefully. The key is to pick a pumpkin that is steady, and won’t wobble when you put it on the table at home.
2. Gathering the necessary tools. I always begin my project by sketching the carving in pen onto the pumpkin. Pen will wash off the pumpkin and it’s easy to see! I also gather a couple different size knives I will be using to carve. This helps when carving smaller detail. A few bowls for pumpkin guts will do the trick.
3. Carving the pumpkin. As I said, I begin by sketching my image. Don’t, forget to think about proportion and making lines straight. To carve the image, take full advantage of the different size knives. The more intricate your project, the more tools you’ll need. Sometimes it can be difficult to get all the way through the pumpkin, so a trick is poke holes with your knife instead of using a back and forth motion. Another trick when cutting a hole in the top is to cut a small diamond shape that fits together when the top is put on correctly. This alleviates the hassle of turning the pumpkin tops several times until it fits.
While many of you may not take pumpkin carving as seriously as I do, these simple steps still make for a better-looking creation. You only carve pumpkins once a year, so why not make it look amazing every time!
