How to Carve Pumpkins Like a Pro: Carving Magic This Holiday Season

As the Wisconsin autumn leaves turn shades of gold, red, and orange and the air becomes crisp, the enchanting tradition of pumpkin carving comes to life. Carving pumpkins is a time-honored way to celebrate the magic of the season. As brothers with our own families, Brandon and I believe that crafting intricately carved pumpkins can illuminate your home with a unique glow. In this guide, we’ll cover how to carve pumpkins like a pro and ideas for carving pumpkins that are sure to captivate and delight.

Pumpkin selection is the foundation of a successful carving experience. Opt for a pumpkin that’s free of blemishes, with a flat base to ensure stability. Look for a vibrant orange hue and a stem that’s firmly attached – these are indicators of a fresh and healthy pumpkin.

Here in the Dane County and Madison areas, one of our favorite places to get pumpkins is Schuster’s Playtime Farm. In addition to pumpkins, they have hayrides, an ever-changing play yard for the kids, a good shop with apple cider and doughnuts, and a haunted forest attraction. 

For other local pumpkin farms and apple orchards, check out this guide from Madison Moms.

Having the right tools on hand can make the carving process smoother and more enjoyable. Essential tools include a sharp serrated knife for carving, a sturdy scraper or scoop for removing pulp and seeds, and smaller carving tools for intricate details.

Before you start carving, take some time to plan your design. You can sketch your design on paper or use a stencil that you can transfer onto the pumpkin’s surface. Choose a design that suits your skill level and consider the size and shape of your pumpkin.

At the time of this writing, pumpkin carvers are looking for design ideas and templates in the following categories:

• Star Wars pumpkin carving ideas
• Minecraft pumpkins (both real designs and in-game crafting)
• Cat Faces (pumpkin stencils)
• Dog Faces (pumpkin stencils)
• Witch Faces (pumpkin stencils)
• Mickey Mouse (pumpkin stencils)

Begin by cutting a hole in the top of the pumpkin, creating a lid that you can easily remove to access the interior. When removing the pulp and seeds, make sure to scrape the interior walls to create a smooth surface for carving.

Use a gentle sawing motion to carve out your design, starting with the larger sections and working your way to the finer details. Remember to take your time and be patient with the process – intricate designs may require more time and attention to achieve the desired effect.

A carved pumpkin will usually last for about 3-5 days, but you can adjust this by taking several factors into consideration:

1. Freshness: A fresher, firm, healthier pumpkin will generally last longer
2. Carving Technique: Be sure to clean out the inside thoroughly and don’t cut too deep into the flesh when cutting the design
3. Temperature: Pumpkins rot faster in warm temperatures, so be sure to keep your pumpkin in a cool spot
4. Moisture: Keep your pumpkin as dry as possible to avoid accelerated decay
5. Bacteria Growth: You can slow bacteria growth by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to the cut surfaces and edges to seal in moisture
6. Display Location: Keep your pumpkin in a cool, shaded area to keep it fresh longer

To ensure your pumpkin is healthy when you need it, consider carving it closer to Halloween or your desired display date.  However, despite all these best efforts, carved pumpkins will eventually start to decay, so enjoy them as long as you can!

The moment when you can illuminate your creation is when your carved pumpkin truly comes to life.

It is recommended that you go with battery-operated LED lights, which are safer and longer-lasting than traditional candles. Place the light source inside the pumpkin and secure the lid. Watch as your masterpiece transforms into a spooktacular display of light and shadow.

The only thing left to do is find the perfect spot to showcase your carved pumpkin creation!

Whether on your porch, by the fireplace, or as a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings, your creation will infuse your space with the spirit of the season.

My question to you is, where will you put yours? (insert evil Halloween laugh here)

Carving pumpkins allows you to embrace the beauty of autumn and celebrate the holiday season with creativity and flair.

With careful planning, thoughtful carving, and the right lighting, you will learn how to carve pumpkins like a pro and will be able to craft pumpkins that become captivating focal points of your spooky holiday décor.

Brandon and I believe that each unique jack-o-lantern is a testament to the magic of the season and the joy of bringing smiles to faces both young and old.

Happy Halloween from Lang Lighting & Decor!