How to Carve a Pumpkin

So you all know I am nothing if not hugely inept at bunging things on here in a timely manner. Hence my Halloween update today, which is creeping onto Melbourne Cup day. Ack! Too many festivals involving strange outfits to celebrate!

This was my first 'real' Halloween, so I thought I'd share with you how I carved a pumpkin. For most non-Americans it's a complete mystery.

First, get a carving kit. It's a book of design patterns with some crazy little tools attached to the front. There's a few saws, a scoop and a couple poke-y things.

Then, get a pumpkin. I got this one for $4 in a pumpkin patch (they sprout up on corners in October). Remember to bring someone along to haul it into the boot. Watch your nails, girls!

Back at the ranch...Cut the lid out with a knife and use the scoop to take out the seeds and stringy bits inside. This bit will take longer and be harder than you expect.

Then, pick out your design. Start with an easy one that's hard to screw up. Stick it in place and use a poke-y thing to punch holes in the lines.

When you take the pattern off, it'll look like this. Use the little saws to cut out the pattern, following the dotted lines. This will take longer and be harder than you expect.

Finally! You will feel so proud of your achievement that you regret choosing the simple one. You go back to the book in search of something more befitting your enormous pumpkin carving, nay, SCULPTING talent.

Ta-DAAAAAA.