October 31 is just around the corner – and it's therefore time for a good old-fashioned session of carving pumpkins with the kids.
How do you carve a pumpkin at Halloween?
From turning your pumpkin into Dracula to the traditional Jak O'Lantern, here's a step-by-step guide on how to carve your own pumpkin which will make the neighbours green with envy.
- Step 1- Cut off the top near to the stalk making sure there is a large amont of the pumpkin left to decorate.
- Step 2- Hollow out the middle
- Step 3: Draw out a design and carefully cut it out with a knife
- Step 4: Pop a candle inside and replace the lid
What designs can you do at Halloween?
Now you know the basics, it's time to think about carving something special.
The easiest way to cut out a more intricate design is to use a template, which are easy to find online.
Simply choose a design then print it out and tape it securely to your pumpkin.
Next, use a push pin or something sharp (be careful!) to poke every 5cpumpm of the template outline.
This can take a while but is the most important part of the process if you're planning to cut out something delicate.
Once you've done that, remove the template then simply use a knife or saw that came with your carving kit to cut between the dots.
Poke out the pieces of pumpkin, clean up and that's you!
How long do pumpkins last?
If it is kept in a cool area with plenty of circulating air, a whole, fresh pumpkin lasts two to three months.
Once carved, pumpkins will generally last up for three to five days — or up to two weeks if you live in a colder climate or keep it in the fridge between uses.
After this time it will start to show signs of decay and will brown.
Some people opt to paint their pumpkins instead of carving them, to ensure their pumpkin lasts for the duration of the spooky time period.
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