Carving A Great Jack 'O Lantern

Enough about the economy and the election and such.This post is going to help in a very different and important way.

Carving a fantastic Jack 'O Lantern for Halloween can be easy, fun and even self fulfilling. Important stuff when we are all feeling the economic squeeze and very vulnerable. So without further delay let's get started and create something that brings a smile to our faces.

First we need to select a Pumpkin to carve. You can carve a real pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or a synthetic that will last from one Halloween to another. Whichever you choose make sure it's large enough and has a good flat or even bottom to it. We don't want to place our masterpiece on display lopsided so be sure that it can stand on it own. Remember when picking a pumpkin to never carry it by the stem.

Now that we have a great Pumpkin we can prepare it. You can draw your design right onto the pumpkin before you begin carving or make a template to use while carving. Making a template works great. Tape it in place on the pumpkin and poke holes about an eighth of an inch apart along the design cutouts. Most variety stores sell inexpensive carving kits. The key to safe carving is sharp tools. Make sure that your saws and knives are sharp enough. The least amount of force that you have to use lessens any chance of any accidental slip. Gut the Pumpkin either from the top or bottom. If you cut out the bottom you can easily place the Pumpkin over a candle or light. If you cut from the top remember to cut an angle inward so that the top can be placed back on without falling inside. You can also cut a notch in the lid so that it's easy to place back in it's spot.

Gutting the Pumpkin can be messy but a good wet-dry ShopVac can make it easy. If you don't have one use a margarine lid or empty tuna can to scrape out the guts. Be sure to get the walls nice and clean being careful not to crack your pumpkin from the inside out. After gutting and for increased stability, carve the smallest pieces out first and work your way to the larger sections. In fact leaving the cutouts in place until your ready to pop them out can help add support until you've finished carving.
Thoroughly gutting and cleaning the pumpkin before you carve it will help preserve it and make it last. Applying a little petroleum jelly to the cuts and edges will help to seal in the moisture and preserve your creation as well. Spraying the whole thing inside and out with Lysol will help to keep any pumpkin killing bacteria away.

Lighting is key to making your creation come alive. A low watt electric light can help reduce heat and any shriveling that may happen. A lighted candle works well inside the pumpkin also. As an added effect you may consider burning some incense or spice inside your Jack O Lantern.

Happy Halloween.