October brings with it activities that are perfect children or the adult who is still a child a heart. One of the classic activities that is perfect for October is pumpkin carving! Here’s how to get the perfect pumpkin carving.
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Buy a pumpkin shortly before Halloween
- Halloween excitement can build even before it’s October. However, you shouldn’t buy a pumpkin too early. Most pumpkins rot between a week and a half and two weeks. If you want your pumpkin to still be thriving on Halloween, buy it about a week or less before the holiday.
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Get a good pumpkin
- Look for a healthy pumpkin! That means looking for one that is free of bruises, nicks, and cuts. Make sure the stem is sturdy and there is a consistent color all around. To ensure that a pumpkin is ripe, knock on the skin of the pumpkin. If you hear a hollow sound, the pumpkin is ripe!
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Pick and trace a design
- Once you have the perfect pumpkin, it’s time to figure out what you want to carve. If you don’t know what you want to do, there’s plenty of designs to explore online.
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Carve!
- Always make sure you lay down some newspaper or other similar material before you start. In addition, lay out a bowl to put the pumpkin innards in. Pumpkin carving can be messy business and this makes for an easy clean up. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut off the crown of the pumpkin. Use a large spoon (or your hands) to pull out all the strands and seeds from inside the pumpkin. Place the seeds and other strands in the bowl you set out. Then, using a smaller serrated knife, use a gentle back and forth motion to cut out your design. Remember to always cut away for yourself.
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Light your pumpkin
- Use a tea light or candle to light up your pumpkin. Make sure not to leave your pumpkin overnight or if you are away from the house if you decide to use a candle. Additionally, if you choose to use a candle, make sure your pumpkin is well ventilated to keep your candle burning. You should be fine if you have several large holes cut in your pumpkin. If necessary, consider cutting a small vent in the back of the pumpkin or keep the lid of the pumpkin off.
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Display
- Now’s the time to display your creation!
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