Undeniably, the most recognized symbol of fall is the pumpkin. Whether carved or cooked, this notable gourd is sure to show up everywhere this time of year. Take a look at everything you need to get your ghoul on and create one-of-a-kind Halloween décor.
Carving 101
Pumpkins were recognized for their larger size and carving convenience when Halloween caught on in America in the late 1800s. Nowadays, Halloween is celebrated in many ways, with pumpkin carving at the forefront.
Simply spooky:
Carving pumpkins freehand is the most traditional way of creating a jack-o’-lantern and is perfect for beginners. PumpkinCarving101.com recommends using a long, thin-bladed knife held at an angle to cut a large hole in the top of the pumpkin, ensuring it’s big enough to remove insides. After insides are clean, visualize your ideal face and get to work. Pop out cut pieces and illuminate with a white-colored candle for the best light.
Downright ghoulish:
Creative pumpkins are a passion for Brad Miller of CarvingPumpkins.com. Brad advises carvers attempting a more challenging design to think in multiple layers. “Pumpkins have a special glow to them if you peel off the skin without cutting all the way through,” says Miller. This technique allows a shading effect not possible with cut-out designs. Let your imagination go and try your hand at more advanced carvings like scenes or monograms.
Top tips:
“Above all, be patient,” urges Miller. “Artistic results come from careful planning and execution.” Miller’s other tips include choosing smooth skin for easier carving, thinning the pumpkin from the inside to about 1” thick for sharper details, and cutting the initial hole in the bottom instead of the top, for a streamlined look.
Tool kit:
The pumpkin-carving list includes a large, sturdy spoon to remove the insides, a long, thin-bladed sharp kitchen knife, and a garbage bag for easy cleanup. For serious carvers, Miller recommends Speedball linoleum art cutting tools, which work great for skin shaving.
Painted pumpkins
Painted pumpkins are increasingly taking the jack-o-’lantern world by storm. Painting the gourds adds loads of color to your Halloween landscape, eliminates the need for sharp tools and lasts longer than carved pumpkins. Beginners can join in on the fun, but like anything else, practice makes perfect.
Simply spooky:
Funny faces or traditional scarecrows are great places to start. “Think of your pumpkin as a blank canvas, anxiously waiting to be brought to life,” says Sandra Gregson, a Massachusetts artist and author of “Easy Pumpkin Painting.” Before painting your pumpkin, practice your design on paper with black acrylic paint. Once finished, Gregson recommends adding accessories like straw hats, bandanas and hay for hair.
