Introduction: How to Carve a Jack-o-lantern
To carve a Jack-o-Lantern you will need the following materials
1 Pumpkin
1 Medium Serving Spoon
1 Medium Knife
1 Small Knife
Newspaper
Medium bowl
1 Dry Erase Marker
1 Candle
1 lighter
Step 1: Preparing for Carving
Cover your working surface with the newspaper.
Step 2: Cutting Out the Stem
Cut a hole around the stem at about a 45 degree angle towards the center of the pumpkin big enough for your hand to fit through.
WARNING-If the cut isn't at an angle the stem will fall into the pumpkin.
WARNING-Save the stem
Step 3: Scooping Out the Pumpkin
Using the medium serving spoon, scoop out the seeds and pulp (the orange stringy material inside the pumpkin) and put it in the bowl
Step 4: Sketching the Face
On roundest or best looking side, Sketch the desired face or design of your Jack-o-lantern.
Step 5: Carving the Pumpkin
Using the small knife, cut at a perpendicular angle along chosen design. Remove loose pieces of the pumpkin and discard them in to the medium bowl.
Note-Wipe off the extra dry erase markings when finished cutting out the design.
Step 6: Lighting the Pumpkin
Light the candle with the lighter and place inside the Jack-o-lantern. Put the stem back on.
Step 7: Displaying the Jack-o-lantern
Place the pumpkin where desired
25 Comments
3 years ago
It isn't so hard to make a pumpkin. I just used a sheet and copied it to the front face of the pumpkin. After that I put a candle inside the pumpkin and displayed it on my front porch.
8 years ago on Step 7
how much time odes the pumpkig has before it dries out and gets puffy?
9 years ago
Great straight forward guide. Here's Dr. Demenz's jack o'lantern for 2014.
10 years ago on Introduction
Kiteman if you don't mind me bothering you what if it was a bit windy? Would the light just blow out? And do you have to put a candle in? Thanks!
C:
10 years ago on Introduction
Kiteman if you don't mind me bothering you what if it was a bit windy? Would the light just blow out? And do you have to put a candle in? Thanks!
C:
10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks Kiteman,
That is great advice!
C:
16 years ago on Introduction
A couple of safety points from personal experience -
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Sounds like a harrowing ordeal! Hope she's well.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
She was lucky, just a little burned hair.
16 years ago on Introduction
I got a couple things to add that I've done in the past. 1.) If the light is strong enough you can use wood carving tools to scrape away at the skin of the pumpkin so it's not cut through but light still gets out a bit, kind of like putting a flash light inside your mouth and your cheeks glow. That way you can have a 2-tone design. 2.) I used an anti-fungal spray to prevent stuff from growing inside the pumpkin, preserving it a little longer. I used some jock-itch spray (was using it for my feet before) and I think it worked well. Just be careful if its combustible and you're using a candle.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
cool boy
15 years ago on Introduction
I use a saber saw to carve out pumpkins cuts down on carving time. Done in10 minutes.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
yeah... but isnt that taking away the point? i mean half the fun is to carve the thing out
14 years ago on Step 2
you should cut a try angle in the lid so its easy to find the way it gos in
16 years ago on Introduction
1.any tips on how to keep the lid from burning after a few hours? 2.how about making it last longer without falling apart? 3.has anyone tried drying the pumpkin out in the sun or anything else? as for no.1, initially, it seems OK, as the inside is still moist, but as it dries out, it could become dangerous. i would prefer to use a candle for maximum effect. any suggestions?
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
i heard rubbing a bit or vasoline into the inside, and the cut parts, helps it last a bit longer.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
I use Chem Lights. Snap it and toss it into the pumpkin. No heat is generated.
15 years ago on Introduction
you should go look for an electric pumpkin carver. They make it a lot easier.
15 years ago on Step 7
Nice Tut ! St0ney stoneykins.com
16 years ago on Introduction
The Instructable would be good for beginners, but I'm sort of advanced at this so I got bored. --Luna Lovegood--