Things You'll Need

Instructions

Selecting the pumpkin

1

Consider size. The pumpkin should be big enough to carve eyes, nose and a mouth on.
2

Tap the pumpkin. If it isn't entirely solid, it's rotting. Choose a dry pumpkin with a hard shell.
3

Look at the shape of the pumpkin. Do you want a moon-faced or a tall, thin one?
4

Wash dirt off the pumpkin.
5

Find the 'best side'. Turn the pumpkin around to see which area would make the best Jack-o-Lantern face.

Carving the pumpkin

1

Mark the features on the pumpkin using a pen or pencil. Draw them slightly smaller then you want them to be.
2

Cut the top off. Put the knife or carving tool all the way through the shell into the pumpkin. Saw a clean circle around the stem and lift off.
3

Clean the pumpkin. Discard the seeds and sticky interior. Make sure the inside of the face area is free of clinging tissue.
4

Cut the face. For each feature, push the knife or carving tool through, then cut on the line until the piece comes out.
5

Clear away the rough edges.