Carving pumpkins is a Halloween tradition and brings the creativity out in people, even if we are not very artistic we still love to carve out shapes, art and especially faces into pumpkins rather than eat them. (Because not many people like eating pumpkins) If you’re thinking of getting creative this Halloween and want to get messy then we will give you some great ideas for possible “jack-o-lanterns”

Of course you’re going to need tools first that is a must and most of the time you can use general kitchen appliances such as spoons and knives. Get a workspace sorted with your tools and some newspaper or any other scrapable material that you will be getting filthy from the Pumpkins gooey insides.

Next it is time to get a pumpkin or put your pumpkin on the workspace if you already have one! When choosing for the first time go for big pumpkins as this gives you a lot of area to make your design (especially if you’re thinking of going bold!). Choosing a lopsided or wonky for a first time pumpkin carving session is not recommended of course these pumpkins are a little scarier but it makes it difficult to cut and carve out your shape. Also ensure that the pumpkin you get is fresh as you might be using it for a while.

Now it’s time to think about the design you wish to carve into your pumpkin, of course the typical idea is a face but even that can be difficult to design. What emotion does your pumpkin have this Halloween? Is he happy, sad, angry, and laughing and loads more to choose from. If you think you have what it takes then perhaps go for something a little tougher! Try a witch with a cauldron, a haunted house, a devils face? There are so many designs to choose from so make sure to get the design you want before drawing on your pumpkin.

Having done that part it is time to get carving, first cut out the top of the pumpkin in a circle shape this will be used to put the candle inside the pumpkin and for the heat to escape. Once you have cut the top off do not lose it as you can pop it back on top later. Next get your tablespoon or ice cream scoop if you have one to scoop out all the gruesome innards eventually you will start hitting the edge, keep scraping against the wall to make it quite thin so that it might glow from the light inside.

Next it is time to get your design onto the pumpkin, use a marker pen to draw out your design onto the pumpkins skin and this is what you will use to know where to cut. Make sure you make any gapes quite large as you need to ensure that the light can get through it.

Once your picture or face is carved out into the pumpkin it is time to place the candle inside and make sure it is secure. Pop the candle into a glass mug or cup so that the wind doesn’t blow it over and set something alight. Ensure the top is not covering the hole completely or cut out some smaller holes at the top so that the heat from the candle can escape and lastly find a great looking place to put your pumpkin. Such as on your doorstep, on a wall or perhaps even in a thin gap. The candle will light up the pumpkin and give it that illusion of being haunted and will impress any trick or treaters as well as let them know you are in the Halloween spirit.

Another good tip is to use a small bundle of christmas lights if you can plug them in anywhere and just make a little hole to run the cord through. (Electric candles also work well for this kind of thing.)

If you have any extra tips for others put it into the comments below and you might just help a newcomer to the pumpkin carving tradition! Also comment about your favourite design if you have one!