How Does One...

alixzafiris

Carve a pumpkin? Jay brought one home from work and we have to carve it for someone and I've never done it before. Yes, I realize I've missed out on something everyone does.Do you use an exacto-knife type thing? And do you draw on it first?

pumpkinpumpkin

draw on it first...then you can use a pumpkin carving kit (walmart, dollar store) to carve it. Mark uses a drill with old drill bits, it works great. OH, make sure you hollow it out first.

Mrs_AF

Buy one of the pumpkin carving kits at the grocery store. It comes with all the tools, and also has stickers that you can use to make a face on it! I haven't carved one in years, but the best part is taking out the goop inside.

salt78

You cut the top open and gut the inside first. Then draw on it and then carve out the drawn parts. I use pumpkin saws and kitchen knives

Nebb

Cut the top off (dont cut it too big/small), scoop out the guts (I save those and then pick out the seeds to roast them), draw on your design if you need to, use a thin almost serrated type of knife to carve out your design. You can use a variety of knives though.

ExpatPumpkin

You can purchase a kit with patterns, etc. Or you can download patterns online - use a needle/ice pick to poke the outline of the pattern into the pumpkin and brush the outline with flour to make it visible for cutting. Or you can just draw on it... You can use a regular sharp knife. Have fun

LesPaul

Get the kit with the little knives and tools.  Some come with patterns, or you can print them off various websites.  With the patterns you punch little holes, then connect the dots to remove the appropriate pieces according to the design.   Much easier than freehand.

jamm2019

I like to go to the store and buy one of those pumpkin carving kits.  It comes with tools, and pictures to put on the pumpkin. If not cut the top off, scoop out the insides, and you can draw on it first, then use a sharp knife to cut out the face...

salt78

[img]http://saltsays.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/pumpkinprocess.jpg?w=510&h=222[/img]

jamm2019

Also when cutting the top out, cut at an angle so it doesn't fall through when your done carving your pumpkin...

alixzafiris

Thanks dudes! I will post a photo of my *attempt* when I've finished it!

SwedishChick2011

We carved a pumpkin this year and it has gotten really moldy on the inside, even though we scooped it out really well (I thought).  It's pretty gross, although maybe that just adds to the creepiness.

mandysmear

You can get kits with stencils.  Or you can print out a design then use a corn on the cob holder to prick holes around your design.

carrieoz_76

So FI did ours over the weekend.  For the top, he used our butcher knife.  He dug the guts out with a big spoon.  For the face, he carved it with one of our sharper steak knives.  He drew the face on it with a pencil.  So you don't really need a kit, and could just do it old school.

notquiteblushing

I suck at carving pumpkins but I love your sig pic.  I have a pair of white sunglasses like those. ::steals idea and runs away::

alixzafiris

Haha thanks NQB. We were already half an hour late so we figured, what the hell, may as well fool around for ten minutes and get some hilarious photos out of it.