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Tips and tricks for carving the perfect Jack-o'-lantern
There are only a couple of weeks left before Halloween rears its spooky, mask-covered head, which means it's about time to start giving some serious thought to your holiday décor.
There are only a couple of weeks left before Halloween rears its spooky, mask-covered head, which means it's about time to start giving some serious thought to your holiday décor. While decorative corn stalks and leaves are all fine autumn additions to your room design, nothing says All Hallow's Eve better than a well-crafted Jack-O'-Lantern. The classic toothy grin and triangle features immediately conjure images of costumed trick-or-treaters with pillowcases full of delicious treats. However, die-hard Jack-O'-Lantern carvers have expanded this familiar design to include all manner of faces and patters. So, in anticipation of Halloween, here are some tips and tricks for carving the perfect pumpkin to adorn your home this October.
Know your pumpkin
Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes - not all of which are ideal for Jack-O'-Lantern transformations. If you're an inexperienced carver, stick with the larger pumpkins for an easier template. Make sure you choose a healthy pumpkin too. Avoid discolored, lumpy, soft or moldy gourds, as they will probably rot well before Halloween. According to About.com's Home Cooking Guide, lighter-colored pumpkins are the easiest to carve.
Decide on a design
Before you get carving-happy, you'll want to map out how you want your Jack-O'-Lantern to look. The traditional design is easy enough to carve on your own - two triangle eyes, a triangle nose and a toothy grin. However, if you're looking for something more complex, there are printable designs which you can stencil onto your pumpkin before carving. MarthaStewart.com recommends transferring your stencil using a sharp needle to poke shallow holes into the pumpkin.
Get carving
Begin by cutting a hole in the top of the pumpkin with a serrated knife. Once the top has been removed, scoop out the insides with a spoon or other suitable scraping tool. Once the pulp and seeds have been removed, you can begin carving out the stenciled features of the face. Use a smaller carving tool and work slowly to ensure a quality cut. Once complete, you can insert a candle or battery operated light and illuminate your Jack-O'-Lantern. MarthaStewart.com also suggests applying Vaseline to the exterior of your pumpkin for a longer lifespan.
That's about it! You're now on your way to creating a truly inspired Halloween home design.
And for those of you looking to keep the home-design ball rolling, consider installing rustic hardwood floors for added autumn appeal. Anderson Floors' Virginia Vintage engineered hardwood floors are beautiful and versatile additions to any room. The maple, walnut, American cherry and hickory designs come in a variety of colors, most notably: autumn.
Anderson Reader
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