How to Carve a Pumpkin 101

I told you in a previous post that I had to carve a pumpkin for my Public Speaking class and today was the day. The speech went well and I think everyone enjoyed my topic since it's pretty relevant to the season right now. Since I've given the speech and actually carved the pumpkin, I can share with you how I did it.

--How to Carve a Pumpkin with Cookie Cutters--

Tools you will need :

• hammer/rubber mallet
• pumpkin (the kitten is good to have, but not necessary)
• needle nosed pliers
• large, sharp knife
• small, sharp knife
• scraper/spoon
• cookie cutter shapes (stainless steel, rubber or silicon will NOT work)

**There are pumpkin carving kits at WalMart for $.97 that include a small, carving knife and a scraper...you'll need both so I recommend getting this little kit.

Step 1: Hollow out the pumpkin

           

- cut the top off of the pumpkin by taking the large, sharp knife and cutting a circle around the stem of the pumpkin until you can pull the top off

- take your scraper or spoon and get all of the ickiness out of the inside of the pumpkin

before

after

**you can wash the seeds and eat them......here's a recipe you may want to try http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spiced-pumpkin-seeds/detail.aspx

Step 2: Hammer in the cookie cutter shapes

- lay the pumpkin on its side

- hold the cookie cutter where you want it on the pumpkin

- take the hammer or mallet and hammer in the cookie cutter evenly (if you don't hammer in each side a little at a time, it will put too much pressure on one side and it will break)

- hammer it in as far as you can and then take the pliers and pull it out a little at a time

Step 3: Cut out the shape

- take your small carving knife and carefully cut out the shape the cookie cutter left

- once it's cut properly, you should be able to push the shape into the pumpkin

That's all there is to it. So simple. You can also put a candle in the bottom and you have a jack-o-lantern. Hope this is helpful for some of you!

**I had to add some pictures of my precious kitties :)

Kitten refused to stand still

Millie is definitely meant to be a kitty model

Fighting.....nothing new

Now he poses....the second Millie walks away

Happy Pumpkin Carving!