Here Comes the
Gourd
Some people grow
them, some smash them, but others are a bit more creative. For Halloween,
trick-or-treaters like a traditional welcome from you…a pumpkin or more gracefully called: a jack-o-lantern. You
do not need to be an artist or be skilled in the ways of knives to fashion a
pumpkin. With tenacity, you can become a master pumpkin carver.
That One!
First, you will
need to visit your grocery store or pumpkin patch to find your pumpkin. Choose
a size—too big a pumpkin could frustrate you when it comes to cleaning it out,
but too small a pumpkin could send the knife right through your new kitchen
counter. A good size is about 15 to 20 inches (diameter). Next, select a shape.
Some folks like their pumpkins oval-shaped and others like them low and round. Make
sure that your pumpkin has a sturdy stem, for ornamental purposes or as it may
be employed later. It is a good idea to imagine what kind of makeover you will
give your pumpkin when choosing one. For example, a pumpkin with white bumps
can go for the witches’ warts effect and a spotted one appears a bit ghastly. Whichever
one you opt for, be proud and happy with your pumpkin, as you are in control of
what becomes of it!
Prepare for
Surgery
Now is the right
time to get the knives. Gather an assortment; a serrated knife is very handy. Get
a big spoon and a pen/pencil as well. You may want to grab a paper towel roll
or something to wipe your hands with. Also, get a bowl big enough to hold your
pumpkin’s organs. Don’t forget proper attire as there is a possibility of
orange stains. Finally, pick your operating table—a desk, the floor, the patio.
Cover it with newspaper.
The Cutting
There are two
options in making the first incision: the top or the bottom. If you cut your
pumpkin from the top it would require you to cut around the stem, but you risk burning
your hand when lighting your candle. Cutting from the bottom would allow you to
lift your pumpkin up and safely place the candle inside. But whatever floats
your boat will do.
Grab your
pen/pencil and draw a circle (or a hexagon to be more sophisticated) to prepare
for the cut. Take your knife of choice, long enough to get through the tough
skin. At an angle, cut towards the center using a back and forth motion.
Cutting at an angle avoids certain complications. If cutting from the top, you
prevent producing a pumpkin with no lid (a result of cutting straight in). If it’s from the bottom, the piece may never
come out.
Be persistent,
as your pumpkin may resist! Dig in (at an
angle)! But not too much; you don’t want permanent damage. If your knife
isn’t cooperating, swap it with another. The pumpkin’s lid will put up a fight
before coming out; there will be twining organs hanging on for dear life. It will come out. After it has, grab the
lid from the stem and put it aside for a moment.
Going in
The opportunity
to get your hands slimy has come. You may choose to opt out by using that big
spoon you acquired earlier. Take out the limbs and whatever else is invading your
pumpkin. Scrape it clean, including the sides but be delicate so as not to wound
it. Next, take the lid and scrape off any seeds or pulp. Put all of the remains
in the big bowl and discard.
Face the Moment
Jack-o-lanterns
have lots of face potential. Many come to rely on triangles: eyes, nose, and
mouth. Why? Angles! This involves three cuts, making face carving much easier.
However, this doesn’t have to be the route you take. Cut circles, squares, or
invent a new shape. It may be harder but the end result is your reward. Make a
face the trick-or-treaters will remember!
First, draw the
pattern for your pumpkin’s face using your pen/pencil. Don’t make your facial
features small when you have a big knife—that’ll give you a hard time. For a
big makeover add eyebrows, depth for the eyes (partially cut through the skin),
dimples (if possible!), and whatnot. Then, think about how you will cut, to avoid cutting out parts that weren’t meant to
be. This will forever blemish your pumpkin!
Consider coloring in the parts that need to be cut out. Follow your
pattern when carving. Push out the cut-outs, put those in the big bowl, and
discard. Lastly, clean up your work area.
Illumination and
Exhibition
Absolutely no
colored light bulbs! Go for the spirit…the candle. Make sure it is tall enough
to light up your jack-o-lantern but not so big as to torch it. The flame should
be at about the middle, if viewed from eye level. If you cut from the top,
place the unlit candle down into the
base of the pumpkin. The candle must sit on a stable surface. Light the candle
with a long match or a lighter. Put the lid on and move it to its display area.
If you cut from the bottom, pick a display location first. Place the candle on
the base, light it, and set the pumpkin on top. Ensure it is dark enough for the
jack-o-lantern to achieve its eerie glow.
Operation
Complete
Congratulations!
You have created your own jack-o-lantern. Don’t be ashamed of the results; this
took time and effort. You’ve conquered the knife, performed surgery, and
constructed a face. If anything, guard
your masterpiece from enemies that want to steal or destroy it. Halloween will
be the night when you showcase your work. Make the evening last.
Warnings:
- Working with knives should be done with adult
supervision.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
No comments:
Post a Comment