A Rocket How To: Carving tips and tricks

By Olivia Simms

The end of October brings a change in weather, trick or treating, and pumpkin carving. Sitting among a pile of newspapers, pumpkin guts, and carving tools, McNicholas students may be wondering how to turn their pumpkins into artwork. This upcoming Halloween there are many different designs and ways to carve pumpkins. Pumpkin carving has been a tradition that began in the 19^th century and to keep this tradition thriving, students need to know how to carve one.

Start by choosing a pumpkin; a pumpkin with a flatter, bigger surface is recommended for beginners. After choosing a pumpkin, gather the following supplies: serrated knife, metal spoon, sculpting tools, marker, garbage bag, and a candle. Then, place a garbage bag or a flat piece of cardboard for the pumpkin, and after everything is set up then it’s time to begin carving.

Start by grabbing a marker and drawing a design. Designs can be freehand or from an online template. Next, grab a serrated knife; students can choose to start by carving from the top or bottom. Mrs. Ashley Brothers, math department chair, said to keep in mind when carving from the bottom that, “If the pumpkin does rot, then the pumpkin starts melting down.” After the pumpkin has been carved open, it is now time to scoop out the seeds. Grab a metal spoon and begin scooping out the pumpkin seeds. If students are looking to roast the pumpkin seeds, then grab a bowl and place the seeds in the bowl after disconnecting them from the pulp. When all of the pumpkin seeds have been scooped out, then start to carve out the design.

To safely carve out the design, art teacher Mrs. Indigo Hudepohl said, “Cut slowly and try to cut out small sections, so that it stays a more manageable amount to work with.” After cutting out he chosen design, Hudepohl added, “After you carve out the pumpkin students can rub Vaseline on [the inside of the pumpkin] and it keeps the air from getting to open cuts on the pumpkin,” so the pumpkin will last longer. Brothers said, “Not cutting the pumpkin too early, two weeks before Halloween,” will help it last the longest.

When students are done carving the pumpkin they can now light a candle and place the pumpkin on their front porch. After completing carving the pumpkin don’t forget to take pictures and to share this tradition with others.