Pumpkin Carving Tips for Beginners

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This past weekend, we carved a pumpkin for the first time.  Let me tell you, it was a new experience for us all! We had fun and our pumpkins didn’t turn out like we expected but it was a great day.  Sadly, within about 3 days my pumpkin had grown hair, turned black, and rotted into itself.  Bummer, I know. Hopefully you can learn from my first timers mistakes.

Tips for pumpkin carving with your family:

1.  Buy a pumpkin carving kit and a couple of pumpkins.  We got two cheap carving kits from the Dollar Store and they worked awesome! I initially thought my knife and spoons would be all I need, but in the end, the kit was super handy.

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2. Set up a place where you can get messy and dress accordingly.  Pumpkin carving is not a clean activity!  It is very messy and sticky.

3. Grab some large, deep bowls, knives and a couple of huge spoons from the kitchen for the scooping and cutting the pumpkin. There will be a lot going on at the table so be ready.

4. Pick a design that will fit on your pumpkin. If this is your first time, don’t try something too hard until you have mastered carving. Your hand will get tired, trust me! This is the design I picked – a mummy for a mommy!

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5. For little ones, carving will be a challenge since it involves tools that could cause owies.  See if your little ones will be satisfied with just scooping and cleaning. They can also be in charge of picking the design or even drawing their own designs on the pumpkin.  My kiddo loved scooping and playing with the insides of the pumpkin. This occupied him for hours!

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6. Give yourself plenty of time.  You’ll start with taking off the top, scooping everything out and cleaning it up – literally give your pumpkin a bath!  Next, pick a design and either tape the design down on to your pumpkin or trace it onto the pumpkin.  Using the tools, prep the pumpkin for cutting with the hole pick. The scooper works wonders to make the inside of the pumpkin thin for easier carving (you will want the pumpkin thin on the side your carving so that your design will be easier to carve).  Finally, carve it and wash it again. It sounds simple enough, but for a first timer it’s a lot so make sure you have plenty of time!

7. Now here’s the part we need to try next time…preservation!  I have heard that putting Vaseline on the pumpkin design edges will help it to not rot.  Keep it out of the sun and in a cool place (I know, tough for us Texans!).  Others say giving it a bath in bleach will help and some even swear by WD40.   Sadly, we will have to test these tricks out next time.  If you are a pumpkin carving pro, PLEASE let us know your best tips to preserve your pumpkin.

8. Save the pumpkin seeds! These can either be eaten or used to grow pumpkins for next year. We are trying to roast pumpkin seeds this week and my taste buds are ever-so-excited.

9. Have fun!  No matter how bad, good, or weird your pumpkin comes out……and even if it rots, treasure these autumn moments with your family.  Make pumpkin carving a family tradition and cherish the memories.

10. Proudly display your finished project.  Put a candle inside, put it on your porch, and -tada!- you have a carved pumpkin!

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The final product – next time we’ll try a jack o’lantern face

What Fall family traditions do you have?  Have you ever carved a pumpkin before? Be sure to leave your best tips for others who are first timers like me. And while you are out having fun with pumpkins, be sure to #AlamoCityMoms so we can check them out!

Alvina
Alvina is a born and raised San Antonio mom. She has a 4 year old boy who is her world and is an animal lover with a dog and cats at home. She loves to craft, thrift, cook and explore her city with her munchkin. You will normally spot her with more than one camera at a time because she is in love with photography! She blogs about San Antonio life, events, parenting, crafts and more on her blog There’s Magic Out There. She also makes kids crafts & activities over at Gummy Lump.com. She is obsessed with pinterest and you can also find her on twitter. Stop by and say hi!

13 COMMENTS

  1. This is a great post! The mummy came out looking great! I think my littlest one would be on scooping duty this year, though! 🙂 But, we’ll keep this in mind for next year, for sure!

  2. My kids aren’t old enough to carve yet, but my oldest who is almost 3 loves to pick out the picture for her pumpkin. We tried vinegar on our pumpkin last year…. SO didn’t help. I think it rotted faster actually… maybe we’ll try bleach this year…

  3. My kids have grown past the age of carving pumpkins, but, this makes me want to run out and get supplies. Thanks! 🙂

  4. Growing up in a small town in west Texas, Halloween was a big deal. It wasn’t scary or disgusting. It was all about the neighborhood, showing off your costumes, and going next door to Mrs. Rushing’s house for her super duper goody bags. After I had my daughter (and was still living in the same town), my Mom and I would actually have our own little pumpkin carving competition. Now, I’m going to have to find those photos! Thanks for sharing the tips – I’m a little ‘rusty’ at carving.

  5. We love carving pumpkins! I usually let my kids draw their own faces and help carve them out. But I always love the look of the stenciled ones

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