- 1). Before you carve, you first need to clean out and prepare the pumpkin. Place the pumpkin on a flat solid surface (a sturdy table or the floor) with the stem facing up. Cut a circle around the stem, leaving about three inches around the stem. Lift off the stem. For a more creative design, you can make a zig-zag shape around the stem instead of a traditional circle
- 2). Remove the top and clean out the inside of the pumpkin using a large spoon. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Scoop out the seeds and guts of the pumpkin. This can be a messy step, so be sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Keep the seeds for roasting later on. Make sure the pumpkin is scraped clean of its insides before moving on to your next stage.
- 3). Decide on the face you are going to use. If you are artistic and have a steady hand, you may decide to do a more intricate design. You can download scary stencils from many websites (see Resources), or you can use your creativity and design your own scary face.
- 4). Use a water-based black marker to draw your scary face on your pumpkin. If you make a mistake, you can easily remove the lines with a damp sponge.
- 5). Once the face is drawn, use a sharp knife and carve around the black outline. When carving, use slow, steady strokes and keep a portion of the blade in the pumpkin. Children should only carve under adult supervision. Make sure your knife goes all the way through the pumpkin's shell and then poke out the carved pieces with your fingers.
- 6). Place a tea light candle inside the pumpkin. Replace the stem and place your pumpkin on your front porch for the world to enjoy. Once the pumpkin is carved, it has a short shelf life. Seal in moisture by coating all cut surfaces with vegetable oil or cover it with a damp towel when it's not on display. Be sure to bring your jack-o'-lantern indoors if temperatures fall below freezing.
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