There’s nothing like Autumn in New England. Nightfall comes earlier each day, and the cool, crisp air gently rustles red and orange leaves that crunch under your feet. The roadside farmstands sell Indian Corn and squash and apple cider.

And pumpkins. Lots of pumpkins. Every house must have at least one, and come Halloween, jack o’ lanterns will glare and wink out from every doorway at wary trick-or-treaters.

Pumpkin carving is a fun and creative craft for the whole family. Whether you make your own designs or use patterns to create frightening faces, vampire visages or whimsical welcomers, carving your pumpkin can become a family tradition.

When picking out your pumpkins, remember that lighter color pumpkins are softer and are easiest to carve. Whether small or large, choose a pumpkin with a shape that will accomodate your design well.
Before carving, wash any dirt off the pumpkin and let dry.

Prepare for carving by cleaning out the inside of the pumpkin. Cut the top of the pumpkin in a circle around the stem and pull the top off using the stem as your handle. Then remove the soft guts and seeds using a strong-handled spoon or an ice cream scoop. Leave the inside wall of the pumpkin smooth and not too thick. You can save the seeds to roast for a hot treat or to dry and plant next year for your own pumpkin patch.

Purchasing a carving tool set will make the project a lot easier than trying to use kitchen knives. Also available is a battery powered carving tool that will make carving quicker and easier.

Little ones can draw a face on their own small pumpkins that you can carve out for them. Another cool way for them to make their own pumpkin faces is with special facial feature stickers that let them create funny or spooky faces. Never let young children use the carving tools.

If you are an accomplished pumpkin carver, try using a carving design pattern. I found great patterns available for free at (where else?) Pumpkin Master. Download free designs and get tips for creating your pumpkin masterpiece.

Here are some other sites with free carving patterns

SpookMaster

Fabulous Foods

Rock N Roll Heaven Collection

The Pumpkin Wizard

And don’t forget the tea light candles!