Stumped on just how to create unique jack-o-lantern designs that are captivating but still easy enough for kids to help with? Fear not! Our friends at Brooklyn’s own Maniac Pumpkin Carvers let us in on some insider tips.
Plotting Your Design: “Always sketch out your ideas on paper first (or print out something you like from online and use it to trace from). Then use transfer paper (like carbon paper) to get your design onto the pumpkin. Now you can follow the lines using knives and cutters.”
Using Linoleum Cutters: “Linoleum cutters are one of our favorite tools for the etched style of pumpkins! The blades, however, are very sharp, so please use caution. Always carve pushing away from you, and ensure that your hand that is not holding the blade is out of the line of fire. It’s better to turn the pumpkin than to have the blade at an awkward angle or pushing toward yourself.”
Incorporating Mini Pumpkins: “The little minis are hard to do [carve details on], but you can turn them into cool votives or mini jack-o-lanterns. It’s also fun to glue decorations like eyes or fangs onto them!”
To learn more, visit maniacpumpkincarvers.com!
