Using a Pumpkin-Carving Template

Hi Friends,

Tips for carving a Halloween pumpkin using a printed template, plus HGTV-exclusive pumpkin-carving templates.

Materials and Tools:

pumpkin (fresh or foam)
template (downloaded from HGTV.com or create your own)
tracing paper
charcoal or graphite pencil
wooden skewer or template wheel
ballpoint pen
tape
carving tools

Steps:

1. If using a fresh pumpkin, cut a hole in the bottom and remove the seeds.

2. Print a template onto regular paper.

3. Next, transfer template to pumpkin.

There are several great options for transferring a template:

* Cover the back of the paper template with graphite by scribbling over the lines with a pencil. Then tape template with graphite-scribbled side next to the pumpkin. Trace the template image onto the pumpkin with a ballpoint pen. The pressure from the pen will cause the graphite to transfer onto the pumpkin.

* Place a sheet of tracing paper between the printed template and pumpkin, and tape both to the pumpkin. Then, trace the template image onto the pumpkin with a ballpoint pen.

# A third option is to tape the template to the pumpkin then transfer the pattern by repeatedly poking small holes through the template's design with a wooden skewer, nail or other sharp, pointed object. Another handy tool for transferring a pattern by poking holes is called a template wheel. These are found in many pumpkin-carving kits and make pattern transfer quick and easy.

4. Use the newly transferred lines as your carving guide.

When creating a template, think outside the box. Creative ideas include:

* Using your computer to print out your family's name or a monogram.

# Spelling out a short word by carving one letter into each pumpkin and then placing the pumpkins together.

# Printing out a family photo and transferring the profile to a pumpkin to create a silhouette design.

Compliments of our friends at HGTV.

Check back for more...

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne