Carving a pumpkin is a must-do at Halloween.
And as October 31 is just around the corner, we thought we'd put together our simple step-by-step guide to carving your pumpkin.
When's the best time to buy your pumpkin? A week before Halloween, October 24. So schedule a pumpkin shopping trip in for this Friday.
1. Choosing your pumpkin. First off, remember the shape of the pumpkin can make it easier or harder for the carver when they're cutting out out their spooky design. So when you go shopping, make sure you choose the right pumpkin for you. The smoother it is and more-rounded, will make it easier to carve.
Also, the bigger ones will give more room for mistake, so if you're up for a challenge, go for a smaller size.
You need to make sure your pumpkin is ripe - knock it and it should make a hollow sound.
2. Cut out the lid. Place pumpkin on table or flat, clear surface. Then, using a knife (children, make sure this is always done with an adult), carefully cut a small circle around the stalk. Pull of the lid.
3. Time to get messy. Using your hands or a spoon, scoop our all of the flesh and seeds from inside the pumpkin.
Want to know what to do with the your leftover pumpkin? Try these devilishly delicious recipes.
4. Wash your pumpkin. Before you start designing make sure you have washed your pumpkin and got all the dirt off the outside.
5. Draw your design. Using an old biro works really well here because they have a thin tip and you can press it onto the pumpkin's skin to mark your design.
As for the design itself, you can do whatever you want. Fancy a challenge? Why not go for a more detailed picture? Or if you want to go for something a tad easier, stick with a simple eyes, nose and mouth.
6. Cut out design. Following the markings you have made, use a knife to cut out your design (children, make sure this is always done with an adult).
7. Light it up. Traditionally, tea lights are put inside pumpkins. However, feel free to use an LED light for a more safer option.
8. Sit back and watch it glow. Put your pumpkin in your chosen place, whether that be inside, or on your doorstep. Now, sit back and watch it glow - turn the lights down, to see it at its best.
Remember: If you have used a tea light, do not place your pumpkin near anything that could set alight, or things that could dangle / fall inside it and catch fire.
And there you have it, eight easy steps to help you become a master carver this Halloween.
Send us your Halloween Pumpkin pics. Tweet us your photos and tag them using: #LMpumpkin and you could win a £25 Amazon voucher!
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