Around this time of year in Texas, you can find gourds and pumpkins everywhere. Pumpkins are used in a lot of different ways every fall, from decorating front porches to making tasty pies for dinner.

Jack-o-lanterns are what many of us think of when we see a pumpkin, especially now that it’s almost Halloween. Pumpkin carving has always been fun for me, even when I was a kid.

When I decorated, I always tried to go for the scary and creepy look. But the creativity I see these days just blows my mind.

Before you start carving your pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern, NPR News has some tips and tricks you should know. Just in time for Halloween, here are 8 easy steps.

PUMPKIN CARVING 101: THE GUIDE TO GORGEOUS GOURDS THIS FALL

Pick Out the Correct Pumpkin

In case you already have a plan, choose a pumpkin shape that goes with it. Carefully look over your pumpkin and look for soft spots. Of course you don’t want the pumpkin to go bad, so don’t do that. Do not choose a pumpkin that has deep ridges. Even though they look cool, they are harder to carve.

Clean It Out and Thin the Shell

To carve a good pumpkin, you may need to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. This involves removing the strings and seeds from inside the pumpkin. A special scraping tool could be a big help. Then, you’ll want to scrape and thin the shell. If you don’t, it could make it more difficult to carve.

Sketch Out Your Design So You Can Transfer It

If you’re an artist, that’s great. Otherwise, just draw it. You could, however, trace the pumpkin on paper and punch holes in it to add more detail. Just cut along the lines of the dots, and you’re done.

Think Outside the Jack-O-Lantern Face

They can be a lot more than just two eyes and a mouth. You could carve some bats, gravestones, or even a scary forest.

Try Shaving Not Carving

By scraping away just enough to let a glowing light shine through, you can make completely new designs. Linoleum scrapers are thought to be the best tool for the job.

Be Patient

Experts say it could take anywhere from two to four hours to carve a good pumpkin design. Have fun and take your time.

Pumpkins Don’t Have to Be Perfect

If your pumpkin is lopsided or misshaped, that can add to its character. It’s alright for a design to be different.

Light Them Up

I always put small candles inside my pumpkins. The pros say six to eight for a big pumpkin. It gives off a nice glow. Christmas lights can be used instead of candles. For extra fun, try ones that blink.

Yes, it does seem like Halloween is getting closer every time I see a pumpkin. There are a lot more kinds of decorations than just jack-o-lanterns. Take a look at these holiday-themed homes.

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