We Tried It: Halloween Pumpkin Carving Kit

We find out how easy (or difficult) it is to carve an extraordinary pumpkin.

(Kristin Lehrer)

Tools Of the Trade

I purchased a pumpkin carving kit, including a 4-in-1 carving tool and a mini power saw from my local craft store. Once I found the perfect pumpkin, I was ready go.

(Kristin Lehrer)

First Attempt

I like to follow my own rules when it comes to crafting. Then again, it’s been years since I’ve carved a pumpkin, so this was probably not the best time to experiment — especially while working with knives and saws.

Mistake 1:
After hollowing out the pumpkin, I looked at the tools and wasn’t sure where to begin. The carving kit came with instructions, and even some designs, but of course I had a grander plan in mind.

Mistake 2:
Referring a photo of the jack-o-lantern I wanted to recreate, I did my best to outline the design using a dry-erase marker.

Mistake 3:
When I was ready to carve, it was then that I realized I needed a special tool called a Speedball to shave the skin off the pumpkin. This was not included in the kit. Had I read the instructions, I would have known that.

End Result:
The 4-in-1 carving tool included a sculpting head which sort of made up for the Speedball. With much elbow grease, I was able to carve the skin off the desired areas. However, the green dry-erase marker I used to outline my design bled into the meat of the pumpkin. Also, when I placed a candle inside the pumpkin, I realized I did not carve deep enough to illuminate it.

(Kristin Lehrer)

Second Attempt

Learning from my mistakes, I decided create another carving on the other side of the pumpkin — this time reading the instructions and using one of the designs that came with the kit.

After choosing a design from the book, I tore it out and pasted it to the pumpkin as directed. Using the rotary cutter included in the kit, I traced over the design, which transferred it to the surface of the pumpkin. For more detailed angles, I used the poker tool. When I was done tracing, I removed the paper and was ready to carve. This process couldn’t have gone more smoothly.

Carving the pumpkin with a knife was easy enough, but I almost forgot about the power saw. While I wouldn’t recommend letting a child use this tool, it cut my carving time in half.

After a half hour, I was very pleased with my Bat-O-Lantern.

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