Are you thinking of ditching your traditional office job and becoming a professional pumpkin carver? If so, you have come to the right place. Our team of pumpkin carving experts have carefully curated a list of tips and tricks to ensure that you become the best pumpkin carver on the planet. Pumpkin carving is not just a Halloween tradition anymore, it has become mainstream. As such, forgo the classic Jack-O-Lantern themes and become a master sculptor. Your journey into pumpkin carving lore begins here. The first step is obvious. You need the perfect pumpkin.
The Perfect Pumpkin
The trick to the perfect pumpkin begins with the surface. You need it smooth to best craft your work. Avoid scratches and cuts, unless you want to incorporate those into our art. Also, keep an eye out for a pumpkin with a flat bottom, which simply will keep the pumpkin steady as you carve into its flesh.
Additionally, the best pumpkins have a deep orange color. You should also tap on it to check if it is hollow, which you want it to be.
Scoop Like a Pro
The best tip that we can give you is to avoid marketed pumpkin scoops. All you need is a metal ice cream scoop, or a serrated grapefruit, or possibly a melon baller. The best scooping route is through the bottom. Cut a hole in the bottom big enough to fit your hand and scoop out all the flesh.
Prep Work
Make sure that you have a plan going in. It is ideal to begin with a template, which you can pin to your pumpkin with some tacks. You then just need to use a needle tool to prick the template into the pumpkin every few inches.
Use the Right Knives
The best knives for carving are serrated steak knives and Xacto knives, which are great for detailed edges.
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Carving
One you have transferred the template upon your subject, then it is now time to carve. For this, you want to begin in the center. It is more difficult to carve the more detailed designs once the pumpkin gets weaker. Save the bigger outlines for last. Once you are done carving, smooth out the cuts with some petroleum jelly to prevent dehydration. Hair spray also works to slow the decaying process.
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