Jack-O-Lantern Techniques

Tips to ensure safe and fun pumpkin carving this Halloween season

One of the biggest nights of the year for children, Halloween also initiates a beloved family pastime - pumpkin carving. "While it is important to be creative and have lots of fun together, good pumpkin carving techniques can keep you and the kids safe from unwanted cuts and unforeseen accidents," says Ryan Wilkie, one of Home Depot Canada's seasonal experts. Leave the blood and gore to the costumes and practice the following:

Know the tools of the trade - Before allowing your children to carve, teach them the safe use of sharp tools and guide them through the entire process. "Special pumpkin carving tools such as scoops, saws, pokers and drills are specially designed for jack-o-lantern carving, allowing for greater control and safety," says Wilkie.

Sketch out your plan of attack - Start by drawing a six-sided lid (hexagon) on top of your pumpkin before cutting and use a pattern for your carving - you can find lots of great patterns on the Internet for free. Attach the pattern to the pumpkin with tape or straight pins before carving.

Gutting and carving - Clean out the seeds and string. The inner wall of the pumpkin should be no more than one inch thick. Once your pumpkin is cleaned out, use a poker tool to poke holes about 1/16" to 1/8" apart along design lines. Use just the tip to poke through the paper and outer pumpkin skin. Next, cut the design with a pumpkin carving saw, connecting dots you made with the poker tool. Be sure to work from the centre of the design outward to avoid putting pressure on areas that have already been carved.

Keep the candle burning - Before placing a candle inside, cut a hole in the bottom, the same diameter as the candle and place the candle on a plate to keep it from tipping. "You don't want your candle to cook your pumpkin into mush so use a pumpkin drill to create a vent hole in the lid of the pumpkin to allow for heat to escape," says Wilkie. This last tip will help keep your jack-o-lantern glowing throughout the night.

For more do-it-yourself tips, visit www.homedepot.ca or The Home Depot store in your community.

- News Canada