Pumkin Carving :)

If you enjoy pumpkins, drawing, and stabbing things-like food- then carving pumpkins is the thing for you!

Steps for Carving Pumpkins

1. After picking out your pumpkin, make sure that there is no bruises, cracks or broken stems, because they tend to rot quickly. If there is, get a new one!

2. Before you start carving, wash the pumpkin to get off all dirt and other stuff you might find on your pumpkin.

3. Next, set up a place that you want to carve your pumpkins on. I recommend a table, a counter top, or outside on your porch. Place some type of material on the table (or whatever) to go underneath the pumpkin. I use something called a "blue pad" i don't know what it exactly is, but it's kind of like paper towel. Except on one side it's blue.

4. Here are some tips for carving a basic pumpkin:

Draw your design on the pumpkin with a water-based marker beforehand.
Out of the top, cut the lid at an angle with a sharp, straight-edged knife. This prevents the top from falling into the pumpkin when it shrinks. Remove seeds and gunk that's inside.
Never hold the knife in a stabbing position. (I guess I was wrong.... I have been holding the knife the wrong way for 3 years now...)
When carving, keep a portion of the knife blade in the pumpkin and use slow, steady saw strokes.
Carve the facial features closest to the center first and work outward. Cut out the larger features in sections.
Remove carved portions by gently pushing them into or out of the pumpkin.
Reattach a section that is accidentally removed by using a toothpick to pin it back in place.
Flatten a spot at the base of the pumpkin for the candle, but avoid digging too deep because the pumpkin becomes prone to rot.

That's pretty much it.
Just light that candle!
Good Luck!!! ;)


Tips from:
http://www.backyardgardener.com/carving.html