3 ways to carve a pumpkin for Halloween
Throwing a Halloween party, or just looking to welcome trick-or-treaters? Discover three magical ways to create the perfect carved pumpkin...
Points to remember
- How to make a classic pumpkin face: Use a sharp pencil or skewer to punch small holes into the pumpkin all around the outline of the template / Follow the dotted line you have created with a sharp knife, cutting all the way through the pumpkin / Push the shapes out from the inside out and neaten up the edges.
- How to create your design with a drill: Draw guide lines where you want to make the drill holes then carefully drill through.
- How to carve a pumpkin with lino cutting tools: Draw around your template then remove and score the pumpkin around the design with a sharp knife / Use a fine lino cutter to create long spokes coming out from your scored design. Only cut through the top layer of skin at this point / Once you have gone all the way around your design use different size lino cutters, a sharp knife or skewer to add detail.
Why not put your pumpkin insides to good use and try our roasted pumpkin seeds recipe? Make a tasty seasonal snack and make the most of your pumpkin.
TIPS
TIP ONE: CLASSIC CARVED PUMPKIN FACE
Get kids involved – get them to design the face or mark the stencil out with a pencil then get a grown up to cut the pieces out.
TIP TWO: CLASSIC CARVED PUMPKIN FACE
Using a battery powered tealight is safer than a real candle and you can get them in a range of colours.
TIP THREE: CLASSIC CARVED PUMPKIN FACE TEMPLATE
Download our easy to use template to help you when creating your carved pumpkin face.
TIP ONE: CREATE YOUR DESIGN WITH A DRILL
If you find any bits of pumpkin stuck in the holes you’ve drilled use a cocktail stick to clear the pumpkin away.
TIP TWO: CREATE YOUR DESIGN WITH A DRILL
Use a mixture of sizes of drill attachments to create different effects.
TIP ONE: TO CARVE A PUMPKIN WITH LINO CUTTING TOOLS
The deeper you cut into the pumpkin the brighter the light will glow through so you can experiment with different tones.
TIP TWO: TO CARVE A PUMPKIN WITH LINO CUTTING TOOLS
Keep your hands behind the tool when you’re working as the cutters are sharp.
TIP THREE: DOWNLOAD YOUR DALEK TEMPLATE
Use this Dalek template to recreate Miriam's pumpkin at home.
