TOTBT Day 6: PUMPKINS

Hey Girls! So today is all about pumpkins! One of my favorite Hallowen Activities is carving Pumpkins. Now i was going to do a step by step , but then i decided most of you already know how to carve a pumkin. So here are some great tips...

• Draw your design on the pumpkin with a water-based marker beforehand. Mistakes are erased easily with a damp sponge.

-Dip your pattern in Oil or water to make the pattern curve to the pumpkin for easy carving.

• Cut the lid at an angle so the outside diameter is larger than the inside.This prevents the top from falling into the pumpkin when it shrinks.

• Scoop out seeds and stringy flesh with an ice cream scooper.

• Use an X-Acto knife for details and the tip of a potato peeler to make small circles and curves.

• Reattach a section that is accidentally removed by using a toothpick to pin it back in place.

• To prolong the life of the jack-o'-lantern, seal in moisture by coating all cut surfaces with petroleum jelly or vegetable oil, or cover it with a damp towel when not on display.

I hope those tips will help you in your future pumpkin carvings! I know now i will for sure use toothpicks to re-attach!(i always mess mine up) Also i am always looking for free stencils online,so i thought i would share some of my favorites with you! Most of them are disney, but some are scary!

http://www.hersheys.com/trickortreats/activities/stencils.asp

http://www.cartoonjr.com/pumpkin-stencils-disney-pumpkin-carving-patterns/

http://www.huggieshappybaby.com/tools/games/pumpkinstencils.aspx

http://family.go.com/holidays/pkg-pumpkin-templates/

I hope this helped! Good luck and Happy Pumpkin carving!