How to carve a pumpkin

The very first step is to pick one out either at a farm or the supermarket. We drove about two hours away and made it a day trip as a family. Reno does have a few pumpkin farms though. We enjoy the drive and the get away.

Then you pick out a design that will work with your pumpkin. My kids picked hard ones for me. They helped a little but not with the knives. I have special tools and a battery operated carving knife which is a life saver. Pravan insisted on helping with the knife and I let him but just for a short while.

You draw a circle on top of the pumpkin that will be the lid.

My kids love to pry it away from the pumpkin and sometimes it can be tough. I love when they pull it out and look at all the seeds that are stuck on it.

Then you spend some time scooping out the seeds. It is a long process when you are stuck with four. Hubby does not like crafty things and I love it so it is easier for me to help with this type of things. I do not scoop out too much of the flesh as I cannot be bothered and really do not like a pumpkin that is skinny. We all did our fair share to scoop out the insides.

Priyasha was freaked out as the strings were slimy and sticky. She could not get it off her fingers and started to scream. I thought it was so funny. She then looked at me and said " that ezzz not tunny " ( that is not funny ). I was even more amused as she was mad at this point. She calmed down after we took a break and the pumpkin princess was happy once again.

You then attach your pattern and poke lots of tiny holes with the special poky tool.Remove the pattern and you start carving. Use knife to cut away extra flesh from behind the design you carved.

Replace the lid and remember it is like a puzzle now and will fit just one way. The way to cut it out. Place a battery operated candle inside and watch it glow. To have your jack -o-lantern last longer you can place in the refrigerator. I do not do that.I never have room in the refrigerator and I have two. I love being stocked up with food at all times. I carve mine the night before Halloween.

Admire your hard work and place by the front door.

Thanks for looking at all the memories we create.

Hope you carved a delightful pumpkin. Please add a link to the one you have carved.