Monday 28 October 2013

CREATING A JACK-O-LANTERN


Halloween is only a few days away so it’s time to bring out your sharpest tools and your imagination to start preparing your pumpkins.
CHOOSING A PUMPKIN
Look for pumpkins that are large, ripe and have an even surface. However keep in mind the uglier the pumpkin the more interesting your creation can be.  Ideally you also want to have a stem that is at least 6cm long.


CUT OUT THE TOP
Firstly you need to make a lid. Draw a generous circle around the top or bottom of your pumpkin and then using a sharp knife or ideally a pumpkin saw, cut your lid out at an angle so that it will not slip back inside (be careful- for your own sake and your pumpkins.)

Next step is to remove the contents of your pumpkin, removing all the seeds and pulp until you have a nice wall roughly 3cm thick.

TIP: The thinner the walls of the pumpkin the brighter your lantern will be. Just be sure to leave enough flesh on the base so it doesn’t rot. 
DESIGNING YOUR PUMPKIN
What type of pumpkin are you going to create? Figure out your pumpkin’s mood first, then get drawing. To transfer your pattern use a water based marker so that if you make a mistake you can easily wipe it off, then let your skilled hands do the work. A stencil isn’t a bad option either.


READY TO CARVE
Slow and steady wins the race in this game. Use your knife and slowly run it over each line gently sculpting each pattern.

TIME FOR THE BIG REVEAL
Place a candle inside your pumpkin, making sure it is sturdy. Light your candle, place the lid on top and turn out all the lights!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN 
from the Marilyn Grace Team