Pumpkin Carving Guide: How to Carve Like a Pro (Easy Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Why Pumpkin Carving Is the Perfect Halloween Tradition

A fun Fall tradition for everyone!

Find out how a Visually Oriented West Virginian takes Jack-O-Laterns to the next level!

**Just call me “Carvin’ Marvin”**
**Circa 2011**

Make Time to Carve Fun

I really enjoy carving pumpkins. It’s a Fall tradition that I take seriously. Each year, I look forward to doing something new. I decide what I’m carving. Print a pattern.

Then.. I really take my time and do my best. Most pumpkins take two to three hours. Sometimes four. I spent five hours on the UMD Terrapins Pumpkin that I did in 2011. No rush. It’s not a TIME thing!

A Life-time or time-life?

Pick a Pattern

Zombie Pumpkins is probably the highest tier/ most “Fool Proof” pattern website in existence. Memberships start at $5. Every single pattern I’ve ever worked with from this website has been easy to understand and execute.

Pumpkin Glow is the runner-up. The patterns are FREE! However, some designs are cutting it close. Narrow gaps. Hollowing cuts. Some patterns are difficult to execute.

Procreate gives you the option to create your own custom patterns. Carve your friends, family, pets, or anything that comes to mind!

Tools You Need to Carve a Pumpkin Like a Pro

Tool Around

Grab your tools! I usually keep it simple with these six tools;

Homemade Pumpkin Poker
Wooden Skewer
Xacto Knife
Paring Knife
Ice Cream Scoop
Chef knife (only for the top)

Everything you need to
**Make your own** **Pumpkin Poker!**

Tips and Tricks

BEFORE you pick a pumpkin; pick your pattern. Some patterns are wide. Others are tall. You’ll want it to fit right.
Always print at least TWO copies of your pattern. You’ll need one to “refer” to!
Cut the top off. Using the Ice Cream Scoop, Scrape the pumpkin clean. Scrape the pattern-side slightly thinner; 1/4″ to 3/8″.
Use Duck Tape and Scissors to smoothly set the pattern onto the pumpkin.
Poke Holes through the entire pattern. Remove the paper. Cut out sections with a small paring knife. Use the wooden skewer to remove pieces, if necessary.
Use the xacto knife for any cross-hatch patterns.

Give ’em Pumpkin to talk about!

I’ve been doing at least ONE pumpkin each year since 2005. Almost twenty years!

Pumpkin Carving by Bessie

Pumpkin Masterpieces take time! If your October is booked up; I’ll carve out time to make your masterpiece! Custom designs, characters, celebrities, sports teams, even your business logo!

Rates

Most Custom Carvings range from $30 to $75.00; Pumpkin is included. I can also carve artificial pumpkins for a glow that lasts a lifetime!

Let’s give ’em Pumpkin to talk about. Reach out with your big idea; and set it a glow!