2024 Pumpkin Carving

It's Halloween so it's time to carve pumpkins! 

We've been carving pumpkins for a long long time. I have photos going back on the blog from 2009, but we did it even before that. And I have pictures of us carving pumpkins with Jacob from 2012, though even that goes back even further! 

So, on this beautiful sunny morning in Florida, the five of us are outside (though in the shade) and ready to get our pumpkin on! 

The kids are big enough to let them do just about everything on their own! After a quick review of knife safety and technique, they set off! 

I forget where we picked up this technique, but it's one that works well. A sheet of carbon paper underneath your design lets you trace over the top and transfer the pattern to the pumpkin! Very similar to what we do when getting a pattern down on the ground for chalk art! 

Theresa had a nice fall foliage pumpkin in mind, with leaves and vines, but couldn't find a pattern she liked. Instead, she's going for the most difficult pattern of all. Ever since they were born, we read to the kids every night. Those books have gotten more and more thrilling as they've grown up, and we just recently finished the 6th book of Harry Potter (if you know what exciting things go on in that book). As a tribute, she's carving the Hogwarts crest. 

This little girl loves Pikachu and is carving a Pikachu in her pumpkin today. 

Ian has chosen another Pokemon, Mimikyu. Mimikyu is a disguise Pokemon who takes the form of a ragdoll Pikachu. 

I alone am the only one who is carving all the way through their pumpkin today, so I get the joy of pulling out pumpkin guts and seeds. 

How'd it turn out T? 

I can see the pattern! It's a little messy right now, but nothing a little rubbing alcohol can't clean up. 

It's always easier when you have the proper tools for carving too. We had them packed away, but brought them with on our last trip from Colorado. The tiny pumpkin saws that you get in the kits are nothing compared to Xacto knives, chisels, clay carving tools, but the real star is the Speedball Linoleum Pull cutter. It lets you carve fine lines and details with barely an effort. 

Jacob has opted for a throwback classic to one he did years and years ago with us. A Devil Donald carved skin-deep. 

Ian's getting a little stabby with his Mimikyu as he tries to get the flat parts carved out. 

And Alli is working carefully with both feet on the ground as she traces her lines with a razor blade. 

But that must not be comfortable, so she's worked her way up a little. 

Looking good Alli! 

Jacob finished with so much time that he's decided to do a second image on the side! Vampire Mickey! 

Ian's finished! Mimikyu is a little rough, and his pumpkin captures that perfectly! 

Alli has made it all the way to the top of the table, as she tries to get just the right angle. 

She asked for a little help on the really tight cuts. I showed her some tips with a different blade and she finished things up. 

Looks great Jacob! 

And T is still working hard while everyone else has nearly finished. 

Alli - Pikachu is supposed to have red cheeks! 

Joe - You can fix that. Go grab some construction paper. 

Off she went to her room and came back with glue and paper. Perfect! 

There is it! Nice job T. I don't know though. Are you sure people will be able to tell that's a lion and a badger? The detail just isn't there. (kidding, kidding, she was complaining about it while carving)

And my pumpkin? 

Well since I love pizza so much (we're having it for dinner tonight actually) my pumpkin is a jack-o-lantern who also loves pizza! 

All 5 pumpkins together. 

Excellent work 2024 pumpkin carvers! 

No Ian! Don't eat that!