If you haven’t made any Halloween plans yet, grabbing a pumpkin and getting creative is the easiest way to get into the spirit of things quickly.
Although the making of jack-o-lanterns may seem like an American custom, it is actually believed to have originated from an Irish tradition that was then adopted in Great Britain.
In accordance with History.comthe custom was inspired by the myth of “Stingy Jack”, who, having tricked the Devil, could not die peacefully and was left to wander the Earth with only a cut turnip and a little hot coal.
Today, Halloween fans still love to get creative with designs that get more ornate and complex every year, but the tough pumpkin flesh can be difficult to work with for beginners.
Here, FEMAIL shares 10 tricks to help you make the most of your decor if you want to try your hand at pumpkin carving.
Top tips include carving out the bottom of the pumpkin, sprinkling cinnamon in the lantern to flavor the clock, and using a whisk attachment to scoop out the guts.
Scoop out the bottom of the pumpkin
Influencer @brunchwithbabs says the bottom transition not only keeps the base for the extra group, but also makes it easier to maneuver the candle
While you may be used to carving a hole in the top of the pumpkin, Halloween enthusiasts suggest going from the bottom.
Influencer @brunchwithbabs says that not only does this allow you to hold the stem for extra grip, but it also makes it easier to position the candle.
Hold the pumpkin in your lap to carve it for a firmer grip
Influencer @brunchwithbabs says you’ll have more control if you put a pumpkin in your lap instead
Opting for a table might seem less messy, but @brunchwithbabs says you’ll have more control if you opt for your knees instead — with a better end result.
Place the pumpkin in your lap and wrap your hand around it to get a better grip on the vegetable while carving.
Cover your station with containers
British influencer Harriet Shearsmith ( @tobyandroo ) says bin stacking will help keep your space clean
British influencer Harriet Shearsmith ( @tobyandroo ) advises on the importance of keeping your workspace clean before you start, and recommends laying it on the ground for easy cleaning with one quick swipe.
If you’re holding a pumpkin on your lap, you can always put it on your feet to keep your clothes clean.
Use an electric mixer to help extract the giblets and seeds
Harriet shares her trick: She placed the bit of the crown on top of the drill to easily remove the pulp
Halloween TikTok fan @thehalloweenpage advises using “power tools” to get the seeds out instead of relying on laborious scooping.
Harriet’s trick is to put a bit on the drill bit so it’s easy to remove the pulp.
Use a red dry erase marker to outline your design
One of @brunchwithbabs tricks is using a red dry erase marker to draw your own image on the pumpkin
While braving the carving tool can be very rock and roll, @brunchwithbabs recommends outlining your design with a red dry marker that applies smoothly and erases easily.
Use a tracing paper to get a stain on the design
TikToker @all_things_halloween0 advises to print out the design first and stick it on transfer paper (pictured left and right)
If you want to get creative with your design, there are tricks that make it easier to make more ornate carvings.
TikToker @all_things_halloween0 advises to print out the design first and stick it on the paper for translation.
After taping this to the pumpkin to keep it in place, draw a picture with a ballpoint pen. That way, you have a professional looking image that can be redone.
Not a fan of drawing? Use cookie cutters for a fun design!
Influencers including @thehalloweenpage say using cookie cutters can create endless design variations
Using cookie cutters or cookie stencils – recommended by Harriet and @thehalloweenpage among others – is a quick and fun way to perfect your pumpkin design if you’re not a master artist.
Just place the stencil on top and tap down with a hammer!
Use LED candles to play with different colors
Using LED lights instead of tea lights not only keeps them from blowing out in the wind (left), but can create a colorful design (right)
Many influencers, ready for Halloween, advise to replace traditional candles with LED ones.
TikToker @thehalloweenpage says that getting one that you can control the color will not only add more design variety, but Harriet also points out that they don’t blow away in the wind.
Sprinkle some cinnamon inside for a nice flavor
@brunchwithbabs says you can take your pumpkin decorating to the next level by sprinkling some cinnamon for a delicious flavor
If you’re opting for a traditional candle, @brunchwithbabs recommends sprinkling cinnamon inside your Jack Lantern to enhance the fall feel and add a gorgeous spiced scent.
Coat all cut surfaces with petroleum jelly for posterity
Influencer @brunchwithbabs says that putting petroleum jelly on the cut parts of the pumpkin will help it keep better
Influencer @brunchwithbabs says if you want your carved pumpkin creations to last a week or two, coat the cut areas with Vaseline for a flourish. Vaseline will act as a sort of seal against the elements.
