{"id":19747,"date":"2020-10-26T12:04:09","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T12:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?p=962"},"modified":"2025-01-14T11:33:31","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T11:33:31","slug":"a-crafty-guide-to-carving-and-lighting-your-halloween-pumpkin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/guides\/a-crafty-guide-to-carving-and-lighting-your-halloween-pumpkin","title":{"rendered":"A Crafty Guide to Carving and Lighting your Halloween Pumpkin"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 Gather your Equipment<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-963\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205241-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"529\" height=\"529\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Before you start pumpkin carving, you should gather everything that you need. This way, you won\u2019t have to wander around the kitchen looking for things when your hands are covered in pumpkin juices and seeds. To expertly carve your pumpkin, you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>A large pumpkin<\/li>\r\n<li>A sharp knife<\/li>\r\n<li>A serving spoon<\/li>\r\n<li>Plenty of kitchen roll<\/li>\r\n<li>A marker pen<\/li>\r\n<li>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/guides\/a-summers-beach-gel-votive-candle\">candle<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Matches<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When selecting your pumpkin, try and select a smooth one. Although the ridges can make impressive wrinkles if you\u2019re carving a face, they do make the carving process devilishly difficult.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\">\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\">\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-965\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205312-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"965\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205312-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=965\" title=\"\">\r\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Draw a line around the pumpkin<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-964\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205339-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"964\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205339-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=964\" title=\"\">\r\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Cut the pumpkin lid off and remove it<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 Cut off the Top and Remove the Seeds and Fibres<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Before you start to decorate your pumpkin, you need to cut off its crown and remove the seeds and fibres. To do this, mark the crown along the line you\u2019d like to cut. This way, you can cut in a nice straight line.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you\u2019ve removed the crown, use your serving spoon to remove the innards. There might be quite a lot of moisture in the pumpkin, so make sure you use your kitchen roll to mop it up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\">\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-970\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205407-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"970\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205407-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=970\" title=\"\">\r\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Insides of the pumpkin<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-971\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205434-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"971\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205434-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=971\" title=\"\">\r\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Carve out the inside of the pumpkin with a spoon<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If you can, remove some of the flesh as well, because this will make it easier to cut your pattern. As a result, it will save you time in the long run. Most people simply discard the pumpkin seeds, but you can use them to make a tasty snack, if you like.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 Draw your Design<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-972\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205621-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"497\" height=\"497\" title=\"\">\r\n<figcaption>Draw your design onto the pumpkin &#8211; Use sites like Pinterest for <a href=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/guides\/ideas-and-creativity\">Inspiration<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you\u2019ve emptied your pumpkin, it\u2019s time to draw your design. Just pat the pumpkin with kitchen roll first to make sure it\u2019s dry. If it isn\u2019t, your pen won\u2019t be able to mark it and your knife may slip.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You can draw whatever you like on your pumpkin. Faces are a popular choice with children, but you can draw a wolf, the badge of your favourite football team or something a little ghoulish. Before you start marking out your pumpkin, take a look at popular designs on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.co.uk\/jerrysartarama\/pumpkin-inspiration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinterest<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.housebeautiful.com\/entertaining\/holidays-celebrations\/g2530\/pumpkin-carving-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">House Beautiful<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.countryliving.com\/diy-crafts\/g279\/pumpkin-carving-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Country Living<\/a> for inspiration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you\u2019ve decided on a design, draw it on the pumpkin or create a stencil template. Although doing so adds an extra step, it makes the carving process much neater and quicker than if you\u2019re cutting freestyle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you\u2019ve drawn your design, you should also colour in the pieces you\u2019re removing. This will help avoid any confusion and will mean that you can cut with certainty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 Cut<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\">\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-973\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205658-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"973\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205658-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=973\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-974\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205810-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"974\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205810-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=974\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Now, it\u2019s time to cut out your design and create your masterpiece. However, remember you\u2019ll need a sharp knife for this. As a result, it\u2019s best to use a small knife if possible as it will give you more control. You should also always cut away from yourself in case the knife slips.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\">\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-975\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205900-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"975\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205900-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=975\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-976\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205923-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"976\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205923-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=976\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>If a child is helping you carve, then it\u2019s worth investing in a pumpkin carving kit. The knife in these sets is far less sharp than a kitchen knife so, even though it will take them slightly longer to cut, it\u2019s far safer. Plus, you\u2019re always available to help if they\u2019re struggling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 Light Your Pumpkin<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\r\n<ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\">\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-977\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_205054-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"977\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_205054-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=977\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\">\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-978\" src=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/IMG_20201021_204911-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"978\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/IMG_20201021_204911-scaled.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.cosyowl.com\/guides\/?attachment_id=978\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Once you\u2019ve finished carving the pumpkin, simply wipe off any excess pen marks to create a more professional finish. Then, it\u2019s time light your pumpkin and create a spook-tacular finish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Putting a tea light into your pumpkin is the traditional way of lighting it. This is because the tea light will glow from the base, creating spooky shadows. Find our <a href=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/guides\/how-to-make-tea-light-candles\/?wmc-currency=EUR\">tea light making guide<\/a> here on how to make your very own.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>However, you can light your pumpkin in any way that you like. Simply grab a <a href=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/candle-making-kits\/?wmc-currency=EUR\">candle making kit<\/a> and get to work. If you like, to create the ultimate Halloween pumpkin, you can even <a href=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/fragrance-oils\/?wmc-currency=EUR\">add a fragrance<\/a>. The candle you add to your pumpkin can really help your design pop. So, much like the design on the front, don\u2019t be limited in your choices and follow your creative flair.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enter our Pumpkin Carving Competition<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>Carving your own pumpkin and making your own candle to light it? We want to see your designs. Share them with us on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thecosyowl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Cosy__Owl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cosyowlcandles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a> and we\u2019ll share the best ones. As an added bonus, by showing us your spooky pumpkins and candles, you\u2019ll gain the chance to win a <a href=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/guides\/how-to-make-a-candle\">candle making<\/a> kit of your choice*.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><em>You\u2019ll need to be quick though. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/guides\/2k-followers-celebratory-giveaway-competition\">competition<\/a> opens on Monday 26th October and closes on Friday 30th at 9:00, when the winner will be announced! Good luck!*Choice depends on stock levels and we reserve the right to pick a candle making kit for the winner if required.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>#1 Gather your Equipment Before you start pumpkin carving, you should gather everything that you need. This way, you won\u2019t have to wander around the kitchen looking for things when your hands are covered in pumpkin juices and seeds. To expertly carve your pumpkin, you\u2019ll need: A large pumpkin A sharp knife A serving spoon [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":39798,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[688],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-halloween"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19747"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19747\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cosyowl.com\/en_ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}