From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Grittyville, WA

Is there place to get info on how to do "professional level" carving of pumpkins?

Thanks. I dont want to have to reinvent the wheel and I have a giant green squash that I want to practice on before it rots!

11/7/2020 7:32:23 AM

https://www.villafanestudios.com/

11/7/2020 11:43:29 AM

you tube look up "pumpkin carving tutorial"

11/7/2020 11:45:45 AM

Grittyville, WA

Thanks. The one guy I talked to makes his own carving tools. Any other good links or advice?

11/7/2020 2:24:03 PM

Syracuse, NY

just - if and when you actually carve out eyes, nose, etc., make sure that the skin end of the hole you make is SMALLER than the end inside the fruit (conically larger+ heading inward); this way, you'd not see the flesh of the fruit in the hole as much or at all; have a few mouthfuls for me! eg

11/7/2020 3:03:02 PM

When you thin out the pumpkins make sure the knives can go all the way through with the slant of the knife being tilted inward so ideally the chunk should pretty much fall in like pp said.
Do not rip and tear at cutting.
Start at center and work out towards outer part of pattern preferably doing small parts first.
Cut out bigger pieces in smaller chunks
Sometimes you have to put your fingers inside the pumpkin to give it strength so it will not break. Pretty much all of the time the pumpkin is on its back so if it is intricate pressure can collapse it.
Blow up pattern as large as you can because some patterns that are made are done on computer and your tiny carving tool might be bigger than the part you are cutting out.
I look for a pumpkin that has a nice flat back because that gives you more flat surface to work with because the more you go around the curve the thicker the pumpkin to cut.
As you are doing it make sure you can see through the small piece that was cut out so the light can shine through properly.
Start with simpler patterns and as you learn start upping your level of difficulty. when you look at a pattern you have to ask can it be done on a pumpkin.
These are tips for the cut out patterns. Remember that you do not have to be perfectly exact to make it work. And leave space between holes(you will see what i mean on some patterns)

11/7/2020 5:16:54 PM

Feel free to ask more questions.
I think pumpkinhouse is the man to give tips on the 3d.

11/7/2020 5:18:40 PM

Central NY

Maybe check out a totem pole instructional vid...??...never tried it but wondered if a concrete grinder would work...Probably plastic over the tool?...just an idea...steak knife will take ya aLL dAY I bet...

11/7/2020 6:02:28 PM

Syracuse, NY

hence, a straight-handled and a right-angle-handled drywall saw, one of each, are great for the bigger, deeper cuts, followed by a pointed shovel, sometimes, lol---eg

11/8/2020 2:44:54 PM

Grittyville, WA

I went to the thrift store and bought a large handful of "carving tools"... just kitchen junk that I thought would work, or could be modified to work. I have carved plenty I am ok at it but some of the carvings that people post on here are truly skilled. I will test out my tools and carving skill tomorrow... Thanks guys.

11/8/2020 3:13:37 PM

Syracuse, NY

i should've told you to get some giant soup cans to whack in with a board to make big, perfect eyes with, lol - AND have dinner! eg

11/8/2020 3:26:18 PM

Grittyville, WA

Its gonna be Frankenstein, the Grinch or Slimer from Ghostbusters. Possibly I can make a good carving tool from a soup can idk. That may be a bit optimistic.

11/8/2020 11:14:37 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Giants are a little more difficult based on their size. Start with the eyes sockets and under the nose, they have to be sunk in a long way. Start easy and go from there. Not everyone can carve

11/9/2020 7:37:39 AM

Syracuse, NY

You were off to a great start, Brandon! The mouth on that thing is like something from 'The Thing' and if I saw that in my patch?---I'd not need manure for next year!
Great job, regardless!---eg

11/12/2020 3:02:01 AM