A scarecrow stands guard over a pumpkin patch at Munson Farm. (CU Independent file/Sara Fossum)
With Halloween rapidly approaching, the pressure is on to produce an eye-catching jack-o-lantern.
Vilma Diaz, an 18-year-old open-option freshman said she has carved plenty of pumpkins and always enjoys the seasonal process.
“As long as you have fun with it, that’s all that matters,” Diaz said.
Henrik Dock, a 26-year-old freshman economics major, is a foreign exchange student from Sweden that hasn’t ever celebrated Halloween in America. He says he is looking forward to carving his first jack-o-lantern for this Halloween season.
“I think it’s super cool, maybe the coolest thing in America so far,” Dock said.
Whether a seasoned scraper or a carving newcomer, this guide will provide insight to any jack-o-lantern artist.
Step 1: Pick the perfect pumpkin.
Grocery stores in Boulder are currently carrying large amounts of pumpkins. To find the perfect one, be sure to peruse the options with a keen eye. Stay away from any pumpkins that have significant discolorations or visible wrinkles. The first signs of a pumpkin going bad are slight wrinkles and brown spots. Pick a pumpkin that has at least one side clear of scrapes and bumps so it can be the canvas for a pumpkin masterpiece.
Step 2: Prepare the pumpkin.
This is the messiest part of the jack-o-lantern process, but sometimes the most fun. Cut a hole in the top of a pumpkin. A hole with jagged edges is less inclined to slip into the soon-to-be hollowed pumpkin. Using a metal spoon, scrape the innards of the pumpkin into a waiting bowl.
“It helps to use a spoon with a pointy tip,” Diaz said.
Scrape out the pumpkin guts until the inside walls are mostly smooth. The bright orange pulp will be mixed with seeds that can later be separated to bake and devour. (To bake pumpkin seeds, spread them on a cookie sheet with olive oil and salt and then bake them at 200 degrees until crispy.)
Step 3: Plan it out.
There’s nothing worse than cutting a mouth on a pumpkin and then realizing there’s no room for eyes and a nose. To prevent such setbacks, it’s very important to plan out a design before any cutting occurs.
“It doesn’t have to be a traditional face,” Diaz said.
Some ideas for creative designs can be found here: http://www.pumpkinlady.com/pattern.htm.
Diaz said that her favorite jack-o-lanterns have been ones that don’t look like a cookie-cutter jack-o-lantern.
“I was really proud of a jack-o-lantern I made that was a vampire,” Diaz said.
Once a design is decided upon, sketch it on to the pumpkin. It’s best to use a black permanent marker, because it is least likely to come off if any pumpkin guts get splattered during the carving process.
Step 4: Carve!
Now for the most the most important part: Performing the actual cutting.
Dominic Bailey, a 26-year-sophomore pre-journalism major, insists that a genuine pumpkin-carving knife is necessary.
“You gotta buy the pumpkin kit,” Bailey said. “Regular knives just don’t do it.”
Most grocery stores and Halloween stores are selling pumpkin knives at this time. They have orange handles, jagged metal edges and often come in a kit that includes various supplies. These knives work well when cutting important details in an image.
Step 5: Finishing touches.
After the design is cut out, get rid of any lingering pulp from inside the pumpkin. Remove any remaining traces of permanent marker easily with nail polish remover. Secure cloves and cinnamon sticks (found in the spice aisle of a grocery store) into the squishy bottom of the lid. As the candle burns it will heat the spices and release a pleasant aroma. Place a candle inside of the pumpkin, light it, and then enjoy the spooky shadows the jack-o-lantern contributes to Halloween.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Mary Rochelle at Mary.rochelle@colorado.edu.
