How to Carve a Jack-O-Lantern

The first step to carving a Jack-O-Lantern is to go to the store or pumpkin patch and pick the perfect pumpkin. Once you get your pumpkin home, wash and dry the outside with water to get any dirt or debris off. I have found that if I let my pumpkins sit in the house for a few hours until they reach room temperature they are much easier to carve (this really only applies if your pumpkins have been out in the cold.)

Next, trace the design you chose on the front of your pumpkin. I prefer using a sharpie marker, because it won't wipe off if it gets wet from pumpkin goo; just be careful not to make a mistake. Also trace around the top of the pumpkin, this will be the opening used for cleaning out the pumpkin and later where you'll put your candle. Tracing around the top of the pumpkin will ensure that when you cut the top it will look even. It's very hard to cut the top evenly without tracing.

From there you will cut the top of the pumpkin. You may want to buy a pumpkin carving kit but I prefer to use a sharp kitchen knife. Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to clean out the seeds and string. Make sure to scrape the bottom flat. You might want to keep the seeds to bake for a snack later. Carefully carve the design you traced earlier. Have patience, depending on the difficulty of the design this may take a while. Your Jack-O-Lantern is now almost complete! Inside your pumpkin put a white votive candle. Other options to light your Jack-O-lantern are glow sticks or battery operated lights. These are great options that cut down the risk of fire. Your Jack-O-Lantern is now ready to greet your Halloween visitors. Your Jack-O-lantern will last one to two days or up to a week depending on the climate where you live.