| This article will show you step by step what you | | | | sides and the bottom until all seeds and pumpkin |
| need to carve the ultimate pumpkin with your family | | | | have been removed. Save your seeds to toast. This |
| this Halloween. From tips on choosing your pumpkin | | | | is a healthy Halloween tradition in our house. |
| to choosing the design. This article contains | | | | - To extend the life of your pumpkin. Mix together 1 |
| everything you need to know. | | | | gallon of water with 1 TBS of bleach and soak your |
| - First you'll need to choose the design you would like | | | | pumpkin in this solution for 1-2 hours. When finished |
| to carve. For beginners I would recommend a basic | | | | make sure you dry it inside and out. |
| pattern. Once you've carved a couple you can move | | | | - Now your ready to carve your design. Choose small |
| on to bigger more intricate designs. you can find | | | | stick pins to attach your paper to the pumpkin. |
| several designs online for free. | | | | Follow the dots, poking each one a larger stick pin. |
| - Choosing the best pumpkin for carving is a very | | | | Once all of the dots are finished remove your paper. |
| important step in your process.Make sure that is the | | | | With a serrated knife carefully begin to cut dot to |
| appropriate size for the design you've selected. Keep | | | | dot. Children should be supervised during this process. |
| in mind that the larger the pumpkin, the easier it is to | | | | - Now you have a beautifully carved pumpkin that |
| carve your design. Check to see if it has any bruises. | | | | you'll want to illuminate for everyone to see. Before |
| Also ensure that there isn't any mold on top. Once | | | | placing a candle or light device inside of your pumpkin, |
| you've made your selection wash the outside with a | | | | lubricate the outside with petroleum jelly. You'll want |
| mild detergent to remove any dust or dirt. | | | | to use a votive candle in a metal holder to light up |
| - Next you'll want to cut a hole in your pumpkin so | | | | your pumpkin. You can also purchase glow boxes |
| you can remove the insides. Ensure that the hole is | | | | which can be set inside without any fire danger. |
| cut on top at a 45 degree angle. It needs to be large | | | | - When your pumpkin is not illuminated you'll want to |
| enough for you to be able to reach inside. Scrape the | | | | store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. |