Its the least messy and simplest way to start the cleaning-out process for your Halloween jack-o-lantern.
Place the pumpkin on a solid, unmovable surface so theresno accidental slippingand to protect your work surface.
Whethercarving your jack-o-lanternsindoors or outside, put down some newspaper to keep the sticky pumpkin insides from getting everywhere.
Credit: Brie Passano
When you cut into the pumpkin, cut away from yourself using small, controlled movements.
Use a small knife for detail work so you have better control.
For inexperienced carvers, find a softer pumpkin with less resistance to the carving process.
Credit: Brie Passano
To involve small kids, have them use a melon ballerrather than a knifeto carve circular designs like eyes.
Then, you’re free to customize your Halloween pumpkin with one of ourfree printable stencils.
This trick will also helpmake your pumpkin last longer.
Using a long, thin, serrated knife, cut a medium-sized hole in the bottom of the pumpkin.
Dont throw out all the pumpkin insides!
Save theseeds for a delicious roasted snack.
Scrape the pumpkin sides until you have a smooth, clean inner surface to startcarving a design.
The bleach mixture prevents rotting, enabling you to enjoy your carved designs longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes.
Cutting out the bottom of the pumpkin can create a flatter surface for a votive to rest on.
You could even carve a votive-sized divot in the base to hold your candle container securely.
If you prefer, cut a rectangle, a square, or any shape you like.
Just double-check the edges arent visible when the pumpkin is viewed from the side.
