Pumpkins with thick walls are most conducive to this carving type.
Carving pumpkins has been a Halloween tradition for many years. While most people choose the standard "jack-o-lantern" triangle eyes and toothless grin, some with more pumpkin-carving experience choose more detailed designs. One advanced technique that can result in an impressive-looking pumpkin is carving it without cutting through to the inside. Successfully carving a cut-free pumpkin requires a skilled hand, but you will impress all your neighbors with your detailed Halloween decorations. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose a pumpkin with a firm surface and thick walls. Since it is difficult to determine the wall thickness without cutting through the skin, use this test: Find two pumpkins that are roughly the same size and weigh them. The heavier pumpkin is more likely to have thicker walls.
2. Sketch a design directly on the pumpkin with a felt-tipped pen or marker. Use this as your guide when carving, but remember that you cannot draw the three-dimensional effect that will be created by carving certain parts of your design to different depths. Keep your final design in mind as you carve to achieve the effect you desire.
3. Use the clay ribbon paring tools for the main carving. They are ideal for the smooth contours that most designs require. When carving, be aware of the texture of the skin as you cut. As you carve closer to the center of the pumpkin, the texture will change slightly and you will feel that the skin becomes more flexible. Be gentle on these parts to avoid breakage.
4. Use a paring knife for the fine detailing after your main design is complete. For additional details, you can draw on the pumpkin with marker or paint, or even glue on supplies like "googlie eyes" or feathers, all of which can be found at most craft stores. Display your new Halloween decoration with pride.
Tags: pumpkin with, cutting through, thick walls, without cutting through