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Pumpkin Carving For All The Family
by Jan Andersen
Follow these instructions to create the
safest, funkiest and most innovative Jack O'Lanterns this Halloween. You don't
need to be an expert and it is an enjoyable activity that can involve all of
the family.
You will need:
· One or more pumpkins or watermelons. Choose pumpkins with a rounded surface
that are rich in color, with no wormholes, nicks, bruises, dents or cuts and a
sturdy stem, which is the sign of a healthy pumpkin. Although lighter-colored
pumpkins are easier to carve, they do not last as long. Pick up the pumpkin
and shake it. If it feels heavy and you can hear a slushy sound, it is a sign
that it is rotting
· Carving Tools (see below)
· Candles. Oil-burning, liquid candles last longer, but these do not
extinguish themselves, so it is crucial that these are not left unattended.
Votive candles placed in clear, heat-proof holders are safer and also have a
longer life span than traditional candles, with white candles giving off the
most light. There are safer alternatives such as glo-sticks, which are
chemical filled plastic tubes that glow for hours, battery powered “tap
lights”, a 40 watt bulb, or even Christmas tree lights
· Felt pens or magic markers, which are the safest way for children to help
you transfer your pattern onto the pumpkin
Preparing and Preserving the Pumpkin
· Wash the pumpkin in water to remove any residual mud and then add a little
bleach to a bowl of water and soak the pumpkin, which helps to kill any
insects or fungi
· Rub all of the cut surfaces with petroleum jelly to prevent from drying out
· Space permitting, keep the carved pumpkins in the refrigerator to prevent
premature decomposition
· You can buy Pumpkin Preserver, a non-toxic, environmentally-friendly spray
that helps to prolong the life of carved pumpkins or, alternatively, you can
keep the pumpkin moist by spraying with a plant mister. Make sure, however,
that when you put the pumpkin out on display that you dry it properly to
prevent mould from forming
Carving Tools
Some experts advise using a special pumpkin tool set and although this can be
purchased relatively inexpensively, it is not absolutely necessary. However,
if older children are helping in the carving process, it is advisable to use a
children’s saw, with non-sharp edges. Younger children should never carve, but
can help draw the faces, for example. Most of the required tools can be found
in your kitchen or garage as follows:
· A sharp kitchen knife, with a long, durable blade should suffice for cutting
the top hole and any other large pieces
· A tool for scooping out the pulp, such as a large spoon, soup ladle or
ice-cream scoop
· A small, a paring knife can be used for smaller details
· A poker tool, such as an ice pick, a metal nail file, an artist’s stylus
tool or even an ordinary household nail can be used for transferring the
design onto the pumpkin
Choosing and Transferring a Design There are many online sites that offer free
design templates that you can download and re-size according to personal
preference. Your children can draw their own design onto a piece of paper,
which can then be pinned onto the pumpkin whilst you trace the design with a
nail or small knife or, alternatively, use a poker tool to make holes through
the paper drawing, which can make the cutting process easier. Spreading a
little flour or baking power over the holes will make them more visible.
However, one of the quickest methods is to copy your child’s design directly
onto the pumpkin with a felt tip or marker pen.
Carving The Pumpkin
· To minimized mess, place the pumpkin on a large black bin liner or on
several pieces of newspaper · Cut open the top of the pumpkin using a sawing
motion, whilst angling the knife at approximately 45º, so that when you
replace the lid, it has a “shelf” to sit on and does not fall in. Pentagonal
or hexagonal shapes are the easiest with which to work. If you are using
candles, make sure the hole is large enough to allow ventilation. Cut a notch
the back of the lid and the lantern as a guide for replacing and removing the
lid. This also allows heat to escape if using real candles
· Scoop out the flesh and the seeds, making sure the base of the inside
pumpkin is nice and flat, so that it can support a candle or light
· When you are ready to work on the body of the pumpkin, begin from the centre
of the design and work outwards, since the pumpkin becomes weaker each time
you remove a piece
· Your carving tool should be held like a pencil, should always be
perpendicular to the surface of the pumpkin and should be used in a slow,
sawing motion
· Cut pieces should always be pushed out with your fingers rather than the
tool, but if an extra piece breaks off accidentally, you can patch it up by
placing a couple of toothpicks into broken off area and pushing the piece back
into place
· Before placing your choice of lighting inside your lantern, make sure you
scrape the back of the pumpkin to a smooth surface to avoid the casting of any
unwanted shadows
Quick Tips · Put the pumpkin on its side and use the stem as an effective nose
· Put a sound sensor in the pumpkin so that it lights up whenever anyone
approaches
· If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, soak it in water overnight
Helpful Sites:
www.trickortreats.com/party/virtualcarving.asp Interactive Pumpkin Carving
Planner The Pumpkin Wizard
www.carvingpumpkins.com Wonderful templates , including famous movie
stars, politicians, monsters and Star Wars’ characters.
www.halloween-magazine.com
Everything you need to know about carving your own pumpkin masterpieces.
www.qlight.com. Offers a wide selection of
glow products, including light sticks, necklaces, eyeglasses and cocktail
stirrers, all reasonably priced.
Books:
Pumpkin Carving Book: How to Create Glowing Lanterns and Seasonal Displays by
Deborah Schneebli-Morell Amazon.com price: $4.99 (used)
Pumpkin Decorating by Vicki Rhodes Amazon.com price: $11.95 or $3.98 (used)
Scary Scenes for Halloween by Jill Williams Grover Amazon.com price $11.95 or
$7.00 (used)
Jan Andersen may be contacted at
http://www.mothersover40.com
worldwriteruk@hotmail.com.
Click
here to view more of their articles. Jan Andersen is a Freelance Writer
and Copywriter specializing in articles and features on diverse lifestyle
topics and social issues. She has also participated in many TV and radio
programs. Jan also owns and runs five websites; World Writer, Mothers Over 40,
Child Suicide, SACS (Surviving After Child Suicide) and Jan Andersen Writing
Services. Until recently, Jan had four children aged 20, 18, 17 and 4. Her
eldest son, Kristian, tragically took his own life on 1 November 2002. Whilst
campaigning for depression, suicide and drugs’ awareness, Jan is writing a
book on child suicide entitled, “Chasing Death”.
http://www.janandersen.homestead.com
Recipes for Roasting
Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
2 c. pumpkin seeds
1/4 c. lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
3/4 tbsp. salt
Dilute the salt with the lemon juice; then, mix in the pumpkin seeds. Keep
mixing together until all seeds are very wet and soaked. Place seeds in a
glass bowl and put in the microwave on very high temperature for 4 minutes.
Take out and stir them very well and place back in the microwave for another 2
minutes. Keep repeating for 2 minutes at a time, stirring in between until
they are roasted (golden brown).
Roasted Pumpkin
Seeds
2 c. unwashed pumpkin seeds
1-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 tbsp. melted butter or margarine
-1/4 tsp. seasoning salt
In bowl combine seeds, Worcestershire sauce, butter and salt, until seeds are
coated. Spread on large shallow baking pan. 3. Bake at 250 degrees
approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally until crisp, dry and golden brown.
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