Are you making a pumpkin lantern or other pumpkin decorations this Halloween? If so, here are seven tips to make this year's Halloween pumpkin your best ever!
1. Plan your design carefully
It's important to decide what type of design you're going to use in advance. The design will determine the size, shape and colour of the pumpkin you select. Also consider if your pumpkin decoration will be a standalone centerpiece, or if you will have several pumpkins sitting together. If you just want the one, it will need to be large enough to make an impact and look good from all angles. If you're planning a display with several pumpkins, select pumpkins which will look good together, perhaps in a variety of shapes and sizes.
2. Make sure the pumpkin is in good condition
To ensure your Halloween pumpkin lasts as long as possible, buy one that is ripe and in excellent condition. Check for bruises, soft spots, mould, mildew etc, and remember that the flesh should be firm, and the stem should not look dried out. Pumpkins with smooth surfaces are easier to work with (although irregularities can add interesting aspects to your design too), and you might prefer to select one that is uniform in colour. After buying, be careful not to drop your pumpkin, and don't carry it around by the stem.
3. Choose a pumpkin that's the right size and shape
It's important to choose the right pumpkin for your planned design. Larger pumpkins are best for more complex designs, and smaller ones for simpler designs. A round pumpkin might work better with a scary face, whereas a tall pumpkin is preferable for an elongated design like a sitting cat or a ghost. If you're using a pre-made template, medium-sized pumpkins are usually best, unless otherwise specified.
4. Consider painting your pumpkin
Painted pumpkins are more unusual than the carved variety, but they last longer, and can be extremely eye-catching and attractive. Don't worry if you think you can't paint - it's really very easy! You can also enhance your carved pumpkin with a bit of paint. Check out my site (url below) for more information about easy pumpkin painting.
5. Use the right tools
Selecting the right tools for the job can make carving your pumpkin a lot easier. If you're really serious about pumpkin carving, you can buy special saws and other specialist tools designed just for carving pumpkins. These can make the carving process quicker, and are especially good if you're doing the more complex designs. But you can also get excellent results with the everyday tools you probably already have around the house, such as thin, long-bladed knives for cutting the flesh, spoons for scooping it out and a pen or pencil for drawing the design onto the pumpkin's surface. Knives should be sharp, and sharper knives are actually safer to use, as less force is needed.
6. Add a few extras
After carving or painting your pumpkin, you can dress it up further by adding extras like glitter, sequins, beads, wigs, hats, false noses etc. Just be careful about using flammable materials if you're adding a candle to your pumpkin to make a lantern.
7. Prolong the life of your pumpkin
Carved pumpkins usually tend to deteriorate within a few days, but you can help to prolong the life of your pumpkin by smearing the exposed surfaces with petroleum jelly. You can also buy special sprays designed for this purpose. Covering your carved pumpkin with cling film and keeping it in the fridge when not on display can also help. Bear in mind that painted pumpkins last longer than carved ones, so you might want to consider adding a painted pumpkin or two to your Halloween decorations for extra longevity and variety.
Bear these points in mind, and you're sure to create a beautiful, long-lasting pumpkin decoration this Halloween!
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