Carve a Jack-o-Lantern
Halloween is right around the corner and it’s time to carve a jack-o-lantern.
It’s Halloween and time to carve the pumpkin. Be creative and carve a scary jack-o-lantern to set on your sidewalk or front steps. First of all choose a sharp knife that will cut through the tough skin of the pumpkin. Spread out newspaper and set the pumpkin on it.
Image via Wikipedia
Now comes the fun part. Draw a circle about 5 inches diameter around the stem of the pumpkin. Insert the knife at one point of the circle, run the knife along the line you have drawn. Pierce sharply until you feel the knife enter the hollow of the pumpkin. Now cut around the entire circle. Pull the stem out.
Image via Wikipedia
Take your hands and remove the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. The seeds can be cleaned and roasted to eat. They are yummy.
Draw the design you want for your Jack-o-Lantern face. A good simple face is, two triangular eyes, a triangular nose,and a wide grinning mouth. Remember it’s harder to draw a curvy line than a straight one.
Image via Wikipedia
You may want to use a smaller knife to carve out the eyes, nose, and mouth, but it still needs to be sharp. Remove those pieces when you are through carving and replace the stem with it’s circle of skin on top.
The Jack-o-Lantern should last about a week and will look particularly spooky with a votive candle placed inside it.
If you like how-to articles you might like to look at the following:
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http://quazen.com/recreation/crafts/how-to-make-a-bead-necklace/
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User Comments
chitragopi
On October 18, 2009 at 10:01 am
Clear instructions. thanks.
Lostash
On October 18, 2009 at 10:15 am
I’ve got to take one to a party this year, so I’ll remember this as I’ve never done one before!! A friend of mine can create the most amazing scenes on the front of hers…quite a sight to see!
ken bultman
On October 18, 2009 at 10:24 am
Yes…and don’t buy one of those dorky plastic ones at the dime store.
cardy
On October 18, 2009 at 10:37 am
Yes I will be doing this good article enjoyed the read.
B Nelson
On October 18, 2009 at 11:28 am
One of the first things I always do is draw out my pattern, I enjoy carving pumpkins alot, and like to be original.
Christine Ramsay
On October 18, 2009 at 11:32 am
I am afraid I tend to go straight for the kill. I never bother with patterns. Maybe that is why my lanterns always look so odd.
God instructions.
Christine
Mythili Kannan
On October 18, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Great… So clear
cebuanaeyez
On October 18, 2009 at 5:43 pm
I love Halloween! We just bought our pumpkin and will carve it out next week =)
Judy Sheldon
On October 18, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Thanks for the helpful hints in carving a pumpkin.
Mystify
On October 18, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I like carving pumkins but this is a wonderful article,very helpful Ruby!
Frances Lawrence
On October 18, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Nice article, my son has always longed to carve one of these, Maybe I will let him have a go this year.
Mary Patricia Bird
On October 18, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Not much for carving pumpkins. Not much for Halloween at all. Happy Halloween to those who enjoy this day.
Frosty Johnson
On October 19, 2009 at 7:01 am
When i was a little un we couldnt get hold of pumpkins in England so we would use a swede, much harder to work with!
lillyrose
On October 22, 2009 at 2:14 am
great article, I love pumpkin carving but I just can’t imagine how frosty did it with a swede!!
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