Halloween is fast approaching and pumpkin patches are sprouting everywhere. Just yesterday Teresa, my fellow parenting blogger, wrote about her family’s annual trek to a pumpkin patch. Tyler and I also visited a pumpkin patch yesterday but this was our first time. I actually stumbled upon it on my way to the library. We ended up having a great time and I have some great pictures (I never leave home without my digital camera). Tyler is very excited about carving the pumpkin and so am I. I’ve never actually carved a pumpkin before so this is going to be a new experience for both of us. I just hope I have all my fingers when I finish (I don’t do knives very well).
I didn’t have the foggiest idea about what to do with the darn thing. Luckily, I didn’t have to look any farther than the brochure they gave us at the pumpkin patch for tips on how to carve up old Jack. In four simple steps, here’s what they suggest:
(1) Start by making a pattern. You don’t need any fancy paper, a brown paper bag and marker will do. A pattern will ensure you get the results you want.
(2) Place your pattern where you plan to put the face and check to see if it fits. If not you will have to start over until it does.
(3) Next, place your pumpkin on a smooth surface. Using a sharp knife with a serrated blade, cut out the top of your pumpkin. Then cut a round section out that is large enough to reach inside. Scrape out the seeds and the pulp.
(4) Finally, attach your pattern with tape or glue and cut it out, working slowly.
Sounds simple enough. Tyler is so excited he’s even named his pumpkins. But then again, he names everything, usually settling on “George” for some reason. So instead of Jack we have George I and George II. When he comes home from school today, we will carve the Georges up and see how they turn out. I’ll let you know later how we did. And if I have all my fingers!
In the meantime, please check out these related blogs:
Pumpkin Carving-Stencils Are Your Friend
Do Something Different With Pumpkins Different With Pumpkins