DIY: Pumpkin carving tips

Step One - Leave plenty of space on the front of the pumpkin for the design by cutting off the top close to the stem. Use a serrated blade. Push straight down and back out. Repeat until top has been severed from the rest of the pumpkin. Rock the top back and forth until it is removable. Trim off any dangling seeds but do not do any additional cutting of it because you want the top to be able to fit back perfectly for the final display. Remove any remaining guts and seeds and clean out the inside, making it as smooth and hallow as possible. Put the top back on before you carve the pumpkin to help keep its shape through the process. To keep the lid propped, you can insert toothpicks inside the pumpkin for added support.

Step Two - Pick a design. Gilbert created a Marshalltown M on a piece of paper. Make slits in the paper so it will lay flat and conform to the shape of the pumpkin. Adjust as necessary, and tape it down. Before making any deep cuts in the pumpkin, Gilbert used a pounce wheel tool — available in many carving kits — which perforates the pumpkin, leaving behind tiny little holes. Apply plenty of pressure to ensure it pokes through the paper and into the top layer of the pumpkin. A nail or thumbtack could also be used.

Step Three - Remove the paper pattern. Take a handful of flour and rub it over the design on the pumpkin to better see those tiny holes. The more you can see the pattern, the better the results.

Step Four - Carefully begin carving, uing a serrated blade. Gilbert used a tomato knife. Slow and steady helps prevent injury or making mistakes with the design.

Step Five - Pay attention to the corners/rounded edges of the design. Poke those out first (if applicable) because when you go to remove the larger pieces, those smaller ones could break off in the process, distorting the design.

Step Six - Remove the rest of the carved pieces to reveal the design.

Step Seven - Evaluate your work and make any changes you see fit.

Step Eight - To make spider webs, trace the design on the pumpkin using an orange-colored Sharpie. Following the pattern, use a sculpting tool, which only shaves off the top layer of the pumpkin. Note: the more you shave, the deeper a crevice you will make. It all depends on the look you are going for.

Step Nine - Once lighted, the spider webs will glow. Gilbert said if you only use a sculpting tool on your pumpkin and not actually carve it, it will last longer.

Step Ten - Use candles, glow sticks or flameless candles to illuminate the pumpkin. The cooler the temperature, the longer it will last before rotting. An indoor pumpkin will only last around three to five days, whereas pumpkins left in a cool place may last for up to two weeks. Use your own judgement in placement.