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THREE CRAFTY JACK-O'-LANTERN TRICKS FOR HALLOWEEN 2024

Writer's picture: Mrs. Kay!Mrs. Kay!

Updated: Oct 29, 2024

Learn how to get the most out of your creepy creations this Halloween.


Carving pumpkins is one of the best ways to embrace the Fall spirit, but it can sometimes feel like a messy and overwhelming task. Don’t worry—I’ve got three simple tricks to make it easier and more fun! Whether you’re a pumpkin carving pro or doing it for the first time, these tips will help you create a great jack-o'-lantern while also making the most of your pumpkin.


With these tricks in your toolkit, you’ll be able to carve up a spooky masterpiece and enjoy every part of the pumpkin. So grab your tools and get ready for a fun, mess-free pumpkin carving session—plus a tasty treat at the end!



Tip #1 - DON'T CUT THE TOP


Cutting off the top removes the vine that supplies the pumpkin with nutrients and moisture. Cut the back instead. To cut out the back of a pumpkin for carving, choose a flat area on the pumpkin's backside and use a sharp knife to carefully cut a square or diamond-shaped opening large enough to comfortably fit your hand inside to scoop out the seeds and pulp; be sure to cut through the pumpkin's skin, not just the outer layer, and try to keep the cut piece intact so you can replace it later when you're done carving.



Key points to remember:

  • Choose the right spot:

    Select a flat area on the back of the pumpkin that won't significantly affect your desired carving design on the front.

  • Cut a suitable shape:

    A square or diamond shape is generally recommended for easy access to the inside of the pumpkin.

  • Cut deep enough:

    Carefully ensure your knife goes through the pumpkin's skin to properly remove the section.

  • Keep the piece intact:

    Try to cut the panel out carefully so you can reattach it later to maintain the pumpkin's structural integrity.


Avoid cutting off the top of the pumpkin. Cutting off the top removes the vine that supplies the pumpkin with nutrients and moisture. Instead, cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin to place candles or lights.



Tip #2 - TRACE THE FACE


There are a few ways to trace a jack-o'-lantern design onto a pumpkin:


  • Use a stencil

    Find a jack-o'-lantern design online, or buy a book of stencils. Tape the stencil to the pumpkin, then trace over it with a dull pencil or poke holes through the paper with a thumbtack or other sharp object.


  • Draw a design

    Lightly sketch the design with a pencil, then go over it with a permanent marker. You can also use a dry-erase marker to trace the design.


  • Trace from a book

    Trace a design from a book onto tracing paper, then tape it to the pumpkin. Use a sharp pin or paring knife to poke holes through the paper to trace the design onto the pumpkin.


Peel away the tough outer skin of the pumpkin with a vegetable peeler or knife. The inner flesh is softer and easier to carve.



Tip #3 - SAVE THOSE SEEDS


Roasted pumpkin seeds are super nutritious and a fun Fall project. Scoop out those seeds using a spoon, pumpkin scoop, or even an ice cream scoop. Make sure to get all that stringy pulp that surrounds them, too. Don’t worry about separating everything just yet. Once you’ve got the seeds out, place them in a bowl or colander and rinse them under cold water. This helps loosen up the pumpkin bits and makes it easier to separate the seeds from the pulp.


Now, take a few minutes to clean off the seeds. With your hands, gently pull away the leftover pulp until you’re left with mostly clean seeds. Afterward, lay them out on a towel or paper towels and pat them dry. For extra crispiness, let them air-dry for a few hours or even overnight, but if you’re short on time, patting them dry will do the trick.



Once your seeds are dry, it’s time to season them. Toss the seeds in a little olive oil or melted butter to coat them. Here’s where you can get creative with flavor! A simple salt and pepper seasoning works great, or you can try something different like:



  • Spicy: Paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder

  • Sweet: Cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar (my fav!)

  • Savory: Garlic powder, rosemary, or even Parmesan cheese


Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them for about 15-20 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure they roast evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and have a nice crispy texture.


After roasting, let the seeds cool, and then you can enjoy them as a snack or toss them on salads for some extra crunch!


Be sure to remove all the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin. If you leave pulp in, it will mold and shorten the life of your jack-o'-lantern.



CARVE, CREATE, & CRUNCH


Now that you’ve mastered these pumpkin carving tricks, you’re all set to create the ultimate jack-o'-lantern and enjoy a delicious snack while you’re at it. Cutting out the back makes cleaning easier, tracing the face ensures perfect designs, and roasting the seeds gives you a crunchy, nutritious treat to enjoy after all your hard work. Whether you're decorating your porch or prepping for a Halloween party, these tips will make pumpkin carving more fun and stress-free. Happy carving, and don’t forget to savor those roasted seeds!


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1 Comment


James Mullaney
James Mullaney
Oct 15, 2024

Wow, great info. Thanks for sharing!

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