How to carve your pumpkin for Halloween – carving design ideas and step-by-step guide
IT'S spooky season, and Halloween just isn't the same without a pumpkin.
Here we give you carving inspirations as well as a step by step guide to make sure your Halloween pumpkin is the scariest on the block.
How do you carve a pumpkin at Halloween?
From turning your pumpkin into Dracula to the traditional Jack O'Lantern, here's a step-by-step guide on how to carve your own pumpkin.
- Step 1 - Cut off the top near to the stalk making sure there is a large amount of the pumpkin left to decorate.
- Step 2 - Hollow out the middle
- Step 3 - Draw out a design
- Step 4 - Carefully cut it out with a knife
- Step 5 - Pop a candle inside and replace the lid
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What designs can you do at Halloween?
Now you know the basics, it's time to think about carving something special.
The easiest way to cut out a more intricate design is to use a template, which are easy to find .
Simply choose a design then print it out and tape it securely to your pumpkin.
Next, use a push pin or something sharp (be careful!) to poke every area of the template outline.
This can take a while but is the most important part of the process if you're planning to cut out something delicate.
Once you've done that, remove the template then simply use a knife or saw that came with your carving kit to cut between the dots.
Poke out the pieces of pumpkin, clean up and that's you ready for Halloween.
How long do pumpkins last?
If it is kept in a cool area with plenty of circulating air, a whole, fresh pumpkin lasts two to three months.
Once carved, pumpkins will generally last up for three to five days — or up to two weeks if you live in a colder climate or keep it in the fridge between uses.
After this time it will start to show signs of decay and will brown.
Some people opt to paint their pumpkins instead of carving them, to ensure their pumpkin lasts for the duration of the spooky time period.