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| The dark night of Halloween beckons all the living to grab a sharp knife and hack away at a gourd. At first, this may not sound like "art" but once you have experienced some of the most amazing jack o' laterns ever created, you might have a change of heart. The best part is that you cannot possibly mess up. If your project turns out crooked, vile, oddly pasted together it will look perfect for this macabre holiday. For additional stencils, tools, accessories, and inspiration, visit the pumpkin carving sites listed below. |
Carving a scary pumpkin is the quintessential Halloween night activity. Below are two tutorials with the basics steps for carving a pumpkin: the quick-and-dirty overview, and the in-depth visual guide with all the tips and tricks. |
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1. Find It
Grocery stores get the typical suspects in September, but for the best selection shop at your local pumpkin farm – there are so many unsual varieties
Find a pumpkin patch |
2. Gut It
Use a sturdy serrated knife to cut it open, then scoop out the seeds and membranes. Thin the wall where the face is going, then clean, wash and dry the pumpkin.
View Pumpkin Tools |
3. Face It
Sketch out a face with a grease pencil or Sharpie, or download a pattern and transfer it to your pumpkin. Using sturdy tools, cut, trim or carve out the pumpkin face.
View Pumpkin Carving |
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These gourd-ful sites offer downloadable patterns, unlimited seasonal subscriptions, how-to tips, and plent of inspiration for your mosterpiece. You can even learn how to grow your own pumpkins – lots of sun, water and fertilizer!
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Zombie Pumpkins
The best and most stylish stencils, unique designs, inexpensive download subscriptions, detailed how-to instructions, and a huge gallery of photos for inspiration.
www.zombiepumpkins.com |
Pumpkin Way
Amazing collection of artfully carved pumpkins doesn't offer stencils or instruction, but it does offer great inspiration.
www.pumpkinway.com |
Extreme Pumpkins
Shocking and original designs, tips and fire effects (?) for your jack-o-lantern. This is not a site for the timid.
www.extremepumpkins.com |
Pumpkins & More
Everything you wanted to know about growing, harvesting, and eating pumpkins.
www.urbanext.uiuc.edu |
Pumpkin Masters
Founded in 1986, this first brand brought carving fun to every drugstore in America, and offers a wide variety of tools and kits for the lil' ones.
www.pumpkinmasters.com |
Stoneykins
Gothic and intricate patterns for advanced artisans, also offers custom created patterns from a photo - very cool!
www.stoneykins.com |
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Get obsessed with the iconic symbol of Halloween, learn a few new receipes then take a knife to it! |
Extreme Pumpkins
by Tom Nardone
(Penguin Books, 2007)
This is NOT your mother's jack-o-lantern book! Featuring some crazy, unique designs.
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Extreme Pumpkins II
by Tom Nardone
(Penguin Books, 2008)
Another serving of inappropriate and offensive pumpkins. Yay!
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Pumpkin Chic
by Editors of Country Living Magazine
(Hearst, 2005)
This IS your mother's pumpkin book. |
Great Pumpkins
by Peter Cole
(Chronicle, 2003)
Beautifully designed, high gloss book of hip pumpkins.
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Extreme Pumpkin Carving
by Vic Hood, Jack A. Williams
(Fox Chapel, 2004)
A unique look at exquisite "art" carving.
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How To Carve Pumpkins for Great Results
by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell
(Southwater, 2006)
20 designs shown in 100 step-by-step photos.
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Pumpkin, A Super Food for all 12 Months of the Year
by DeeDee Stovel
(Storey, 2005)
All the pumpkin recipes you could ever want.
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The Perfect Pumpkin
by Gail Damerow
(Storey Books, 1997)
A complete reference for growing and using pumpkins.
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