Perfect Pumpkin Picking
For your Carved Creations
…
I spend the month of October drawing designs and creating patterns for my Pumpkin Carvings. For my design to be a success, I need to pick the Perfect Pumpkin. Now, you might think that you just trot on over to the nearest pumpkin patch, grocery store, or wherever you purchase your pumpkins and grab one or two… ok, eight to twelve for me. But I have a system for Perfect Pumpkin Picking, and I am going to share it with you.
…
Picking a Perfect Pumpkin:
- Take your pattern / stencil with you to choose your pumpkin.
- Take masking tape and a pen shopping for pumpkins so you can tag each pumpkin for its specific design.
- You want the design to cover 75-85% of the pumpkin face.
- Press your thumbnail into the pumpkin to make sure it leaves an impression. If no impression is left, the pumpkin is too hard for carving.
- Pay attention to the bumps and grooves in the carving area of your pumpkin. Deep grooves, or too many bumps can warp your design and make it difficult to carve. It may be hard to get an evenness in the lighting of your design if the grooves are too thick. (There are times when you can make bumps or grooves work for your design).
- Keep in mind that some pumpkins do have growths on them (a sort of tan-brown color). These are usually easy to remove by shaving carefully with a small knife.
- Be sure there are no scars or punctures anywhere on your pumpkin that are weeping, oozing, or growing mold.
- Check for soft spots–you do not want any soft spots in your pumpkin.
- If there are little gnats or flies buzzing around, be sure it is not your pumpkin that is attracting them.
…
There you have it. Go forth and pick the Perfect Pumpkin!
…
…
Check out my Pumpkin Carving Page
for other great Pumpkin Carving Tips & Tricks.
…
…
Do you have any tips for picking the Perfect Pumpkin?
…
What design ideas do you have for pumpkin carving this year?
...
...
...
Share using our Hashtag!
Leave me a comment… I’d love to hear from you!
...
~Lorelai
Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.
...
Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com
Wow! you have it down to a science, that is awesome! Great tips, thanks for sharing.
YEp… since I carve so many pumpkins each year, it really helps to keep things organized. 🙂
Interesting ways to pick a pumpkin – kind of like choosing a watermelon. There is a way to it. I have never picked nor carved a pumpkin before. I know, I know……I usually just go to the store and buy a few for decorating.
Oh Zan, you really should give pumpkin carving a try! I absolutely love it, and since I carve so many, staying organized makes a difference. 🙂
I know NOTHING about picking or carving pumpkins LOL And I’m really awful at carving them, so I think I’m gonna paint and/or decorate some this year, instead!
Just have fun with however you decide to decorate. 🙂
I pretty much suck at carving pumpkins, so I buy the fake ones and spray paint them and gussy them up. Your tip about taking the stencil with you is a winner! I’ve been working on my Thanksgiving tablescape for my blog and I bought little pumpkins for stenciled place cards. You guessed it – the pumpkins were too small for the stencil. I visited your carving page and I’m in awe! You’ve got some serious talent going on.
LOL… Alli, I have had the same problem with purchasing the wrong size pumpkin, hence the tip. Hahaha! I can’t wait to see your Thanksgiving tablescape. Thanks for visiting my pumpkin carving page. 🙂
[…] Perfect Pumpkin Picking For Carving […]
I think it;s time for carving pumpkin this week! Thank you for the great idea!
Have fun with it! I would love to see pictures of your pumpkin carving. 🙂
Although I was still new to blogging this time last year, I remember your Pumpkin carving talent and all the beautiful pumpkins you shared. These are great tips! So glad you shared. Pinning this to my Pumpkins board.
Thanks, Shirley. Perhaps some Bible themed pumpkins for Trunk or Treat would be an interesting idea…
Thanks for the great tips! I can’t wait to go to the pumpkin patch next month! It’s been fun co-hosting with you at the #HomeMattersParty
I love this idea of being prepared when you go to the pumpkin patch. Most of the time though the wonderful grandson is with us and he just picks the best one in his eyes. It can get crazy though decorating them! Have a great day!
Nice. Seems like you’ve got your system down. My kids won’t let me pick the pumpkin 😉 It’s really great to be co-hosting #HomeMattersParty this month!