Basic Instructions

1. Open up! The first step is to carve an access hole so you can get in there!
   • Top Access: The traditional route to pumpkin carving is to slice a hole around the stem of the pumpkin. Be sure to cut at an angle so that you can replace the top without it falling through!
   • Bottom Access: We think this makes for the easiest jack-o-lantern because it leaves the stem in tact and allows you to place the hole over a votive candle.
   • Alternate Route: If you plan to create an unusual design (ie: you want to use the stem as the nose or turn the pumpkin upside down), you’ll need to map out the best “access.”
2. Scoop Away! We recommend using a flat ice cream scoop for this. The basic idea is to clean out the pumpkin and then let it dry.
3. Start drawing! This is your chance to put your artistic skills to work. Start by tracing a pattern onto the pumpkin by using tiny holes with a thumb tack or safety pin. Remove your stencil and rub some flour over the pumpkin — this lets you see the design. Using a red pen, connect the dots to make your design more visible (red will be less visible than black in your completed project).
4. Carve! When carving the pumpkin, start from the middle and work your way out, avoiding pressure on already carved areas. Always cut slowly and gently with a back and forth motion to avoid damaging your creation!

Make it Last

1. You can cut a pumpkin without cleaning it out. It won’t glow, but it will last much longer than your hollow version.
2. If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, soak it in a bath of cold water for one to eight hours to rehydrate.
3. Spray the inside of your pumpkin with a mixture of bleach and water to deter dehydration and/or mold.

Jazz it Up

Here are some tips to make your pumpkin stand out in a crowd!

1. Use your “cut-out” pumpkin pieces to embellish your design. Why not add ears to your cat or horns to your devil?
2. For an interesting effect, turn your pumpkin on its side and use the stem as a nose
3. Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon inside your pumpkin for a great fall aroma!
4. Add some spice with fresh produce. Think winter snowman and add a carrot or cherry tomato for a nose.
5. Look around your house for other interesting embellishments. Decorative thumbtacks make an impressive design on a pumpkin, and you can save them for next year’s design.
6. Turn your pumpkin into a vase! Fall mums look great when potted in a hollowed out pumpkin. You could also add fresh flowers from our Floral Department for the perfect autumn centerpiece.