The Pumpkins of Halloween Past

I’m fixin’ to post some printable designs for pumpkin carving. Until then, I thought I’d share some of our “masterpieces” from the last few years . . . and some tips below!

Do you carve pumpkins? What are your favorite experiences? Are there any carving designs that you’re itching for – lemme know, and I’ll try to see what I can come up with!

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Okay, here’s some thoughts and experiences with pumpkin carving:

1. The best thing to cut with are the little saws that come in those carving kits that you get at the department stores. They should just sell those individually, because they almost always break, and the other stuff in the kit is a little worthless (I think).
2. Sometimes, it’s better to start by cutting the bottom of your pumpkin off , rather than the top. This way, you don’t have to reach in to light a candle, you can just plop the pumpkin down on the base after igniting the flame.
3. Always cut a notch in your pumpkin lid. Like a circle with a little spike sticking out. That makes it easier to put the lid on accurately.
4. Cut your lid (or base) in at an angle instead of straight up and down. Then you won’t have to worry about it falling in as it starts to wither.
5. Two different times, I tried to stick Christmas lights into my pumpkins, like this, but it never worked. The lights either shattered or I got them all in and they didn’t light up. Plus, think of how gross and tedious it would be to pull the lights out after your pumpkin was all soggy.
6. Power tools are your friend, if you’re handy. I usually drill a bunch of holes in my pumpkins to let more light shine through. It looks like little constellations.
7. Wood carving tools can be fun. Use them to chip away at the pumpkin flesh and make “gray” areas.
8. Don’t throw away your “scraps” right away. You might want to use them for ears, horns, teeth, a mohawk . . .
9. Here’s some awesome carving inspiration. Like, so awesome you wanna spit: Faux Bois Pumpkin, Lace-Patterned Pumpkins, and Alice’s take on a Martha Stewart idea. Gah!