DIY Network

Pumpkin Carving and Decorating Tips This year try something new when it comes to that traditional Halloween icon, the jack-o'-lantern. From "Witch Crafts" episode DWCR-104

Hosts Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza share tips on carving pumpkins, and then they reveal a fun way to decorate faux pumpkins.

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	Whether real or faux, DIY's Witch Crafts features helpful tips and fun instructions for embellishing your Halloween pumpkins.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Pumpkin Tips:

• When choosing a pumpkin to buy, avoid ones with bruises or moldy stems; these will not last as long.

• When cutting the top of the pumpkin, angle the point of your knife toward the stem. This gives the lid a place to sit and will prevent it from falling through the hole.

• If the cut edges of your jack-o'-lantern are curling, re-hydrate the pumpkin by soaking it in a tub of water overnight. After removing, allow the pumpkin to drain for half an hour and pat dry.

• Soaking your pumpkin (figure A) in a solution of one teaspoon bleach per gallon of water will help inhibit mold growth.

• While your jack-o'-lantern is on display, periodically mist it with water to help keep it hydrated (figure B).

• Covering a jack-o'-lantern with a damp towel will keep it hydrated when it is not on display.

• At night, wrap your jack-o'-lanterns in plastic and refrigerate. This will slow the aging process.

• After carving, coat the cut edges and the inside of the jack-o'-lantern with petroleum jelly. This will help seal in moisture. Vegetable oil can also be used.

• There are also commercially available sprays and dips that will keep your jack-o'-lantern fresh longer.

• Spraying hairspray on the inside of your pumpkin (figure C) will help increase its life span.

• Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on the underside of the pumpkin top for a nice scent when the candle inside your jack-o'-lantern is lit (figure D).

	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I

Carving and Decorating Faux Pumpkins

Materials:

foam pumpkins
permanent marker
card stock (optional)
low tack painter's tape (optional)
knife
battery-operated tea light
craft foam
scissors
foam glue
craft paint
glitter
embellishments (feathers, pompoms, etc.)
vase or urn

1. Carving a foam pumpkin: Draw a face on your pumpkin. You can either freehand a design or create a pattern on card stock and tape it to the pumpkin to trace (figure E).

2. Carve out the face with a knife, cutting away your pen marks (figure F). Cut the top off of the pumpkin.

3. Use only battery-operated tea lights inside of foam pumpkins, as they can be flammable (figure G).

4. Make a glitzy pumpkin witch: Paint a face on your pumpkin and add glitter. Embellish the pumpkin with things like feathers, pompoms, etc.

5. Line the rim of a vase or urn with feathers and set the pumpkin on top (figure H).

6. Create a crazy foam face pumpkin: Cut shapes from craft foam and use foam glue to stick them to the pumpkin (figure I).

7. Have your child sign the bottom of the pumpkin for a holiday heirloom that will last for years.

For more fun Halloween projects, pumpkin-carving templates and spooky-good videos, visit Halloween Pumpkin Palooza!