Fall Fun: How to cave the perfect pumpkin

Step 1: Choose your pumpkin. While you're picking your pumpkin think about what you want to carve in your pumpkin and choose a shape that will make the best canvas.

Step 2: Clean your pumpkin, inside and out. Wash all of the dirt off of the outside of the pumpkin so it will be all nice and clean. Now decide how you are going to get into your pumpkin, the top, the back, or the bottom. The traditional way, and the way I open up my pumpkins, is through the top. The top of the pumpkin is a little thicker so you need a longer, sharp blade. Cutting the top in a cone shape so the opening on the outside of the pumpkin is wider than the opening of the flesh. It will make it so that the piece you cut off will fit back in nicely without falling through the hole.
Now you need to scoop out the guts. (Ewww!) I like the flat scrapey tool that comes with most carving kits. You could also use a spoon or even an ice cream scoop. Make sure that you do a good job getting out all of the seeds and stringy things. You don't want the local wildlife helping you remove seeds after you have carved your pumpkin. You also don't want anything hanging down that could catch of fire if you use a candle in your pumpkin.

Step 3: Layout your design on your pumpkin. Make sure that you know where you want everything before you start cutting. It helps to draw everything else first. You can't undo any cuts once they have been made.

Step 4: Chop Chop! Cut along your lines and punch out the pieces as you go.

Step 5: Light it up! Either put an artificial candle in your pumpkin and turn it on (this is the safe way) or put a tea light in your pumpkin and light it.

If you want to see some amazing pumpkin carving check out this video from Martha Stewart and Ray Villafane
I can't wait to see what masterpieces you create. Share them on our Facebook page! Happy Halloween!!