We took the kids to the Pumpkin Patch this past weekend and let each of them pick out their own pumpkins. The kids look forward to this every year. After running through the hay maze and the other various activities, we finally manage to get them out in the patch to pick a pumpkin.
While we were there we were given some great tips on carving Jack-O-Lanterns. We were told that one of the best things you can use to carve your pumpkin, large or small, is a keyhole saw. You can purchase one at any hardware store for just a few dollars. But…they are sharp, so be really careful.
I was really happy to hear this. Knives are a little dangerous and are hard to use when cutting something other than a straight line. We have also used some of the carving knifes that come with a pumpkin carving kit, but we have broken several. So this was a welcome suggestion. The man even let our older kids use the saw to demonstrate how easy it really was. Totally easy! Even through really thick pumpkins.
We were also told to cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, instead in the top around the stem. Duh! Then all you have to do is put the candle in a mason jar lid, light it and then place the pumkin over the candle.
This also solves the problem for a pumpkin standing up and not tipping to one side or the other. No more burning myself or trying ridiculous things to light the candle while it is inside the pumpkin!
And finally, I have another tip for taking a picture of your Jack-O-Lanterns this Halloween. Turn off your flash and set your camera on a tripod or some books so that it is at the right height. Then focus the camera. Simply push your button and let the camera take a picture without holding the camera. This will ensure crisp lines in your image.
**Edit–Someone asked where we got the patterns for carving our pumpkins. We found them in this book. We bought ours at Target a couple of years ago and have used them each year. We are just very careful and save the patterns. It also comes with a set of carving tools that we have managed to break most of. This cost us around $4-$5 if I remember correctly.
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Your cool friend Cheryl says
Great tips! I don't know why I never thought of putting the hole on the bottom!
Those are gorgeous pumpkins! I have always put the hole in the bottom but not in a mason jar, thats a good idea…hence the title of your blog huh?! Thanks..come say hi :D
Wow! Your pumpkins came out great! Thanks for the tips! I'm going to attempt to carve mine tomorrow so I'm going to steal these tips… thanks for sharing!!
Love the idea of the hole in the bottom of the pumpkin!
We always just light the candle and then try and drop it in the pumpkin…praying it lands in the middle and right side up! Yeah… not safe!
Your pumpkins are too cute!
You have perfect timing! I was planing on doing a family night tomorrow and carving pumpkins, watching movies, baking seeds and cookies.
I never would of thought to cut the bottom either. Its a great idea and one I will be using.
and note to self: Kidnap the hubby's keyhole saw.
Kelly
NightOwlNotions.blogspot.com
Great tips!!! I forgot all about the hole at the bottom trick! Good thing I still have 5 more pumpkins to carve!
Great Pictures!
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pharescausey.blogspot.com
This is great! Thank you!
those are great tips! thanks for sharing!
All these years that could have been so much easier if I'd had some of these tips. Thank you.
Cute. And great tips. Here the jack-o-lanterns aren't really made (we don't celebrate halloween in Holland), but we did get some pumpkins last weekend, so I think it might be fun to try and make such a lantern this year. I think the little ones would love that!
love the ideas! where did you get those neat patterns for carving? or did you even use one? love it! :)
The spider gives me the creeps!! Great carving
I know a lot of people have said it but really….a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin – duh-why didn't I think of that years ago? Who ever starting cutting the tops of them sure fooled us! Thanks for the great tips and great picts.
Thanks for the tip! Yours turned out awesome!!!
Great suggestions! Thanks for sharing. We will be carving ours tomorrow…perfect timing.
One of my best tips is to use a Mason canning jar lid (not ring) to scrape the guts out. You'd be amazed at how much better it works than a spoon or scoop. The edge of the lid is pretty sharp!
Thanks for all the tips!
Awesome pumpkins! Thanks for the tips.