The Proper Tools

Make All the Difference

…

It is an old saying that the proper tools make a job easier, and it is no different in Pumpkin Carving. The tools do not need to be expensive, just the correct tools for your use. My pumpkin carving tools of the trade encompass a variety of different types of tools for carving My Pumpkins.

A collection of Pumpkin Masters Carving Tools (not motorized)
Wood Carving Tools
Drill Bits (various sizes)

…

Pumpkin Masters Carving Tools

…

SAWS

There are several different sizes of saws both in length of saw blade and in the size of the teeth. For straighter longer cuts, use a saw with a longer blade and larger teeth. For more intricate or curvy areas, use a smaller blade length and smaller teeth.

The key to using the saws is making quick sawing motions. Do not try to use the saws like a knife and cut through the pumpkin. It takes very little pressure, but a lot of back-and-forth sawing motion. I have used these same saws for years.

You can see in my picture above, that I trimmed the top of the saw blade to an angled point. This helps a great deal. Purchase a separate set for children to use and keep the blunt end for safety.

SCRAPERS

I use the scrapers to add texture to the pumpkin. I have two large scrapers–one with a straight edge and one with a jagged edge. I use the straight edged one to smooth out the inside of the pumpkin.

The poker type scraper is great for deepening creases in a design.

Use the others to scratch at the pumpkin skin. This technique is great for adding an aged or weathered look, grass, or maybe a pattern to a scarecrow’s shirt.

**NOTE: These Pumpkin Masters Carving Tools are readily available at Target, Walmart, grocery stores, and drugstores.

…

Wood Carving Tools

…

I have a 5-piece gouge set that includes a flat angle-edge, an almost flat round-edge, a U-shape, a tiny V-shape, and a larger V-shape. These are fantastic for carving and sculpting! I would say that probably 95% of my actual design work is done with this set.

You can also use Linoleum tools and/or Exact-o knife.

Find the Five Piece Power Grip Carving Set at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware

…

Drill Bits

…

Drill Bits are great for punching perfectly round holes into your pumpkin. You do not need to attach it to a drill, just twist it through the pumpkin with your fingers. It is very easy to do. These little multi-packs from the 99-Cents Only Stores and other places, make it easy to have holes of varying sizes.

Now you have the Pumpkin Carving Tools of the Trade. Upcoming posts will include tips and tricks on designs and patterns, carving, preparation, preservation, and more. Be sure to check back!

…

What tools do you use for carving pumpkins?

Do you have any tool tips or tricks?

…

~Lorelai

Sign up today, and don't miss anything! Enjoy EXCLUSIVES, FREEBIES, and FUN.

...

Contact Lorelai at Lorelai@LifeWithLorelai.com

If you love pumpkin carving, then you NEED to get this Pumpkin Gutter! It is absolutely fantastic. You won’t believe how fast and clean it guts your pumpkin – easy peasy! I love mine. Don’t carve with out it.

The Pumpkin Gutter!

A Power Tool for Pumpkin Carving

…

A couple of years ago, Rory and I went to the most amazing pumpkin carving demonstration at Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach. The local nursery is a beautiful place to walk around and explore and the host all kinds of interesting informational seminars on gardening, cooing, decorating and more. Roger’s Gardens is especially fun to visit at Halloween and Christmas when it is fully decorated for the seasons.

The man giving the seminar absolutely thrilled me. I was already an avid pumpkin carver, but I had never seen such a tool as he had and was using. He pulled a couple of kids from the audience to help him gut the pumpkin. He whipped out his power hand drill and attached this odd looking, super long drill bit that looked like it had an egg beater on the end, a Pumpkin Gutter. After he cut open the pumpkin, he stuck the Pumpkin Gutter inside and went at it. He even let the kids have a go. It is that easy to use.

The Pumpkin Gutter not only cleans the guts out of the pumpkin, but it also thins the pumpkin walls to make them better for carving. It also keeps the seeds intact for those tasty pumpkin seed treats. This inexpensive tool is a must if you are going to carve multiple pumpkins, have your family carving pumpkins, or hosting a pumpkin carving party!

Here’s How It Works…

Cut open your pumpkin
Scoop out as much gut and seeds as you can with your hands
Use the Pumpkin Gutter on the power drill running it around the pumpkin walls. (You will need to stop periodically and clean out the loose debris and the ball on the end of your Pumpkin Gutter. **Remember – the Pumpkin Gutter is a drill bit and is sharp.)
Once all seeds and guts are removed from the pumpkin, use the Pumpkin Gutter to thin the walls of the pumpkin for carving. (Watch for upcoming posts on how thin to make the pumpkin walls and other carving tips and tricks coming soon.)
Use a scraper to smooth the inside walls

Get your own Pumpkin Gutter here!

Good luck with your pumpkin carving!

…

Do you have any special tools you use for gutting a pumpkin?

Do you have a favorite recipe for Pumpkin Seeds?

Are you thinking of hosting a Pumpkin Carving Party?

...