Top 5 Pumpkin Carving Supplies
Pumpkin carving is a cherished tradition for many families and individuals at Halloween time. Having the right carving supplies can make all the difference between a terrific jack-o-lantern and one that looks a bit mangled. Here are the top 5 carving supplies to have on hand this season.
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1. Long, sharp knife
You will need to use a long, sharp knife to cut the top out of your pumpkin. A dull blade is dangerous and will not do the job well. You will need a knife with a blade that will comfortably cut through the meat of the pumpkin, so choose one that is several inches long.
2. Pumpkin Scraper Scoop
Scooping out all the seeds and pulpy insides from a pumpkin can be one of the most daunting tasks associated with pumpkin carving. Leaving pulpy strings inside your pumpkin can cause your carved pattern to not appear as clearly as it should. A pumpkin scraper scoop is the perfect tool for digging out the insides of the pumpkin. It is shaped like a large spoon, so it can pick up a lot of seeds and pulp at once. The real advantage to a pumpkin scraper scoop is that it is serrated halfway around the scoop, so it can easily scrape the pulp and seeds loose from the side of the pumpkin, making your job much easier.
3. Stencil or Pattern
While some may prefer to draw their pattern on the pumpkin freehand, there are many stencils and patterns available at Halloween shops and retail stores that take some of the guesswork out of this process. You can find stencils or patters in traditional face-like designs, or you can find more elaborate patters that look like cats, bats, witches, or any other number of Halloween-related things.
4. Small carving knives
While your kitchen knife may work for carving basic triangle eyes, if you want to do something more elaborate, you will need a small carving knife especially designed for pumpkin carving. These knives are serrated on both edges, making them easier to work with. Additionally, the blade is more flexible than a traditional knife, making it easier to cut curves in your design.
5. Light or candle
Finally, in order to illuminate your jack-o-lantern, you will need a small candle or artificial light to set inside your pumpkin. Pumpkin strobe lights are also available for a truly crazy jack-o-lantern. Set the light inside your pumpkin and set the pumpkin on your doorstep for your neighbors to admire!
Image Credit: Rennett Stowe, Flickr
