Tips and Tricks on Carving
Jack-o-Lanterns
Rose Smith
I remember the most fun at Halloween time
was picking up pumpkins for both my boys and me to carve. What
faces could we make? What creepy patterns would be prefect to
highlight? My "boys" are grown now, both in their twenties, so
those special family pumpkin carving days are over, although I
still love to carve unique pumpkins every Halloween myself.
Today it is very easy to find unique and wonderfully creative
patterns designed specifically for pumpkin carving. It just
takes a simple search to turn up dozens of web sites with
downloadable patterns in truly unique designs. However, before
you begin carving your creations this Halloween, you should
keep some of the following tips in mind to be sure your efforts
come out perfect and that your pumpkin doesn't rot and shrivel
before the big night.
Clean out your pumpkin well - After you have removed the seeds
scrape out the inside of your pumpkin until you only have about
1/4" of rind left along the edges. This will actually help make
your carving easier and more precise... especially if you plan
on cutting out an intricate design with many thin areas.
Another reason to keep your jack o' lantern walls thin is
because it will help your pumpkin to last longer.
Keep your pumpkins cool - Store your pumpkins (before and after
carving) in a cool area, such as in a cellar. Hot or warm
temperatures will quickly begin to rot your pumpkin. Don't
leave it out in the sun during the day either, even it if is
cool outside.
Moisturize all cut edges - Using petroleum jelly, rub all area
that have been cut including along the top hole. This will help
keep the pumpkin from drying out and shriveling up. However,
don't coat the inside of the pumpkin, especially if you plan on
using a lit candle for lighting.
Cut a V-notch or small air hole in the pumpkin lid - This will
allow heat and smoke to vent out of the pumpkin if you light
the jack o' lantern with a candle. Pumpkins that aren't vented
begin to "cook" from the heat of the candle causing it to
deteriorate faster.
These simple tips should help ease the cutting process and keep
your jack-o-lantern looking spiffy for several days during the
Halloween holiday season. So have fun, search out some patterns
or dream up your own creative designs this year!
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