Pick a work area to set up and lay down newspaper on a flat surface. Doing this protects the surface and makes for an easy clean-up when done. Find an appropriate knife. For pumpkin carving, use a serrated bread knife, a jab saw, or a purpose-made serrated knife taken from a pumpkin-carving set. Avoid using a straight-edge knife if possible; you'll have to use more force to cut through the pumpkin in addition to having less control over the blade. You’ll also need a large spoon (or your hands) to pull all of the strands and seeds from the inside of your pumpkin. Candlesticks or tea lights are used to light the pumpkin from the inside, but flashlights and flickering LEDs are popular modern options. If convenient, you can most likely find carving kits at your local grocery store. Once all of the tools have been collected, lay them out and obtain a bowl for discarded pumpkin innards. You are now ready to begin …show more content…
Use a gentle back and forth motion to cut into the pumpkin, and take your time. Discard cut-out pieces as you remove them. Keep following your pattern until you've carved out the entire design. If your pumpkin already has a relatively flat bottom and rests stably, you can skip this step. If not, flip the pumpkin upside down and carve a flat slice off the bottom. If your pumpkin can sit without wobbling, your slice was level enough; if not, try again. Your light source is now ready to be placed inside. Make sure to ventilate as needed. If you do choose to use a real candle, make sure your carving will provide the flame with enough oxygen to keep burning. If you've cut several large holes in your pumpkin, you should be fine. If not, consider cutting a small vent in the lid––or remove the lid entirely. Your pumpkin is now ready to be set out for everyone to see. Although carving pumpkins can be an enjoyable and easy process, the specific steps should be followed in order to ensure safety and an exceptional turnout. By following these steps, one can be sure to make the best of their holiday. Remember to take pride in your creation, as the entire neighborhood will gaze upon your unique gourd-like orange fruit. Afterall, what would Halloween be without a pumpkin sitting on your porch or at the window looking out at all the