Maris Farms

Maris Farms
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Carving Great Pumpkins

Carving pumpkins is a great family project!

Sculpting That Masterpiece!

Note: Adult supervision is needed when using carving tools. If children are allowed to carve, they should be instructed in safety and proper use of tools.


	1. Cut a lid. Draw a six-sided lid on top of your pumpkin. Draw a "tooth" at the back of the lid as a guide for replacing the lid. Make the lid large, so you can clean out the pumpkin easily. Adults only: Very carefully, cut along the lines with a knife. Angle the blade towards the center of the pumpkin to create a ledge that supports the lid.
2. Clean out the inside. Clean out the seeds and strings with a flat-tipped ice-cream scoop, spoon or other device. Next, scrape the inner pulp away. Scrape the area you plan to carve down to 1" thick. You can check the thickness by pushing a straight pin through the wall.
	3. Transfer the design. Attach a pattern on your pumpkin with tape or straight pins. If you use straight pins, place them along the design lines to avoid extra holes in your pumpkin. Use the tip of the Pumpkin Master's Poker, a ball point pen, or a straight pin to poke holes about 1/16" to 1/8" apart along the design lines. Make sure all the lines have been transferred, then remove pattern. If the design is hard to see, connect the dots with a pen or dull pencil. If the dots do not show up well, rub flour over them to make them more visible.
4. Cut or saw out the design. Carving the imprinted pattern is simply a matter of slowly cutting or sawing from dot to dot. Work from the center of the design outward to avoid pressure on areas already carved. Always keep the saw or knife blade straight at a 90o angle to the pumpkin. Don't twist the blade. Push the cut pieces in or out with your fingers, not the blade.
	5. Find the chimney location. Choose a spot towards the back and side of the pumpkin bottom. Anchor your candle inside the pumpkin with melted wax or in another way. Light the candle and replace the pumpkin lid. When the candle has blackened a spot on the lid, blow out the candle. Cut out the blackened spot for a chimney hole.

Make Yours The Best!

Choose an unbruised pumpkin about the size and shape of your pattern. Select a smooth and evenly colored one so your design transfers clearly. Make sure the pumpkin has a flat bottom so it sits upright. For children, try to select a lighter-colored, softer pumpkin.

Make your pattern fit any size pumpkin by reducing or enlarging it on a photocopier.

To make your carved pumpkin last longer, cover with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator when it is not on display. To reduce shriveling, coat the cut edges of your carving with petroleum jelly. You can revive a shriveled pumpkin by soaking it in a bucket of water or a bathtub for 1 to 8 hours. Let it drain for 1/2 hour then dry it carefully. If your pumpkin molds, it's time to throw it out!

Now accepting debit cards as well as visa and mastercard at the farm