There’s nothing like a classic jack-o'-lantern to channel the spooky spirit. But we all know that behind the scenes, pumpkin carving can be a huge mess. Here are some clever tricks that will make carving easier and even help the pumpkins last longer.
- Start with the Bottom: Instead of starting from the top, carve the main hole in the bottom of the pumpkin. This helps the guts come out easier, keeps the pumpkin’s moisture longer, and makes it easier to light up your jack-o'-lantern.
- Carve in Your Lap: Get a good grip on your pumpkin by placing it in your lap. Having a steadier grip makes it a lot easier to carve the design!
- Use a Red Dry-Erase Marker: Instead of using any marker or pen to draw your design, the best choice is a red dry-erase marker. With the dry-erase marker, you can easily rub out any mistakes, and red blends into the pumpkin better than darker colors.
- Use a Hand Mixer: Use your hand mixer to whip the guts out of your pumpkin. The hand mixer helps loosen the strings and seeds, making it easier to remove and reducing some of the mess.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop: To easily and quickly remove the pumpkin seeds and flesh, use an ice cream scoop.
- Carve Designs with Cookie Cutters: If you struggle with drawing a face on your jack-o'-lantern, use some cookie cutters to trace designs. Push the sharp edge of the cookie cutter into the pumpkin and use a rubber mallet to tap the edges into the pumpkin.
- Apply Vaseline: To make your jack-o'-lantern last even longer, apply Vaseline on the cut surfaces. This keeps the pumpkin moist after carving and can help ward off animals from eating it.
- Sprinkle Pumpkin with Cinnamon: Sprinkling cinnamon on the inner top of your pumpkin will cause it to emit a sweet, cozy scent when the pumpkin is lit.
- Turn to Twinkle Lights: Using a real candle can be a worrisome fire hazard, but twinkle lights provide a glittering glow to your jack-o'-lantern.
Source: Yahoo! Life