Written by/Templates created by The Rock & Roll Chef
Photos by Don Levey

CHEF'S NOTE: The Chef highly recommends using X-Acto tools for carving. IMPORTANT: The commonly-used "connect-the-dots" (i.e., poking holes around the image) technique WILL NOT work with this method. Use a common household glue stick or adhesive spray mount to attach templates to pumpkin.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN...

1. Review Step-by-Step instructions; pre-planning is wise.

2. Try carving a "test" pumpkin or hidden (bottom) section for your first try.

3. Cut AWAY from your body; use smooth, sawing motion (not cutting) for best results. Let the blade do the work!

4. Make note of the icons (below) and what they mean:

-Adult supervision is required.
The Chef has a special tip for you.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!

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LET'S CARVE!

1. Make sure pumpkin is firm, clean and dry. Avoid overly hard pumpkins with deep ridges.

2. EQUIPMENT: X-ACTO® tool; Scissors; Template; Ice Cream Scoop or Heavy Spoon; Sharp Knife; Newspaper; Apron or Towel

3. If carving indoors, lay down newspapers first. With pumpkin on flat surface, use sharp knife to cut lid opening on top or ottom (bottom hole is easier for lighting candle).

Always use a sharp knife when cutting!

4. Use heavy-duty spoon or ice-cream scoop to clean pumpkin.

Scoop away the inside of the carving area to 1/2" (or less). This makes for easier carving -- just don't scrape through!

5. If template requires resizing to fit pumpkin, you are granted permission to create ONE photocopy of image.

6. Being careful of adhesive, follow "scissors guides" for small cuts around template (these will help the template fit the pumpkin).

7. HAVE A SEAT! The easiest way to carve is while sitting. If staying clean counts, place a towel or newspaper on your lap-or wear an apron or old clothes.

8. Attach template as so: Start with center of template...

9. Smooth template from inside out...

10. Smooth out creases/rough spots...

11. Overlap scissor-cut edges of template on pumpkin.

 

12. To make precision cuts, position X-ACTO® tool with finger, then pierce pumpkin.

13. WRONG! Do Not Bend Blade!

14. If X-ACTO® blade is accidentally bent, it can be easily straightened by hand.

15. Starting with the sections marked , follow lines and cut out the entire black area.

 

16. Cut across /through any black sections, as they'll be discarded anyway.

 

17. When section is cut, push into pumpkin. After cutting sections marked , cut sections marked , then , etc. until finished.

 

18. Peel off remaining pieces of template. If necessary, lightly scrape away with back edge of X-ACTO® tool.

Use X-ACTO® tool to widen and clean carved areas. For smaller areas, make smaller cuts (vs. continuous cut). Recommended: X-ACTO® #15 Keyhole Saw Blade.

19. Set candle on bottom section, light, place your pumpkin on top and admire your work.

20. NOW THAT'S HEP, CAT!

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