Halloween at the Park is Great Fun! Carving Pumpkins & Scary Movies or maybe just the “Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown”! This Year’s Scary Movie will be “A Quiet Place”. Definitely not for the little ones. I’m starting the pumpkin carving a little early this year. The tools I purchased 2 years ago at Michael’s Arts & Crafts are still working well. Alejandro, Hobbes, Raphael, Kevin & Brandie the Brachiosaurus are All Anxious to make Dinosaur Pumpkins. Hobbes & Raphael are ready with the carving knives. Although I think Brandie would rather just eat them.
I used a regular pencil to mark the pumpkin before carving, but it was hard to see. I tried a sharpie but it doesn’t wipe off. A whiteboard pen was easy to use and most of it washed off. You’ll have to let me know if you find a better tool. One of the tools, referred to as a poker, is great for making indentions on the pumpkin over the pencil marks to make the design easier to see during the carving. If you decide to stick with a pencil.
Check out Michael’s Arts & Crafts for tools & kits. The carving kit I purchased came with 16 patterns to create a scary Halloween pumpkin. They are often on sale too! Unfortunately, no dinosaur patterns! That’s OK I’ll make a few designs you can copy. Or you can be extra creative and come up with your own. I’d be interested in Pictures of Your Dinosaur Creations.
I have 3 pumpkins to carve so far this year. Trader Joe’s had them on sale for $2.99 each. I throw the seeds of my Halloween Pumpkins near an avocado tree. Something got into the Pumpkin Patch, so I had only one very small pumpkin this year. I think I’ll give them more attention this time around and see it I can grow some supersize pumpkins for next year. Let me know if you have any tips for growing pumpkins.
Make a few sketches on paper before drawing on your pumpkin. Whatever you use make sure you can wipe it off or doesn’t show if you change your mind while making the cuts. I’m really glad I have the special pumpkin carving set. These custom tools made it much easier to make the detailed cuts I needed. I discovered that you should make your detailed cuts/scrapping before cutting out sections of the pumpkin. Otherwise your detailed pieces could break off during carving. I cleaned out the inside of the pumpkin first. I used a tablespoon.
The carving tools are very sharp! I wouldn’t recommend letting a child do this and definitely not without adult supervision. Now you’re ready to make the final cuts to make your dinosaur stand out. Take your time and be careful. A mistake at this point could mean getting a replacement pumpkin! Carefully wipe off the loose scrapings and you’re ready to start on your next pumpkin.
Cleanup Ideas:
There are many ways you can use the pumpkin seeds other than planting. You can dry them, bake them use them in trail mix. The parts you cut out to make your design can be used to make a pie. Yes, I have done this. Nothing like a pumpkin pie made with fresh ingredients! Or you can compost everything.
LED color changing candle lights (tealights) from Home Depot work and look great! Especially if you have little pumpkins these lights are the ticket. I think they’re mainly for Christmas but they’re perfect for this project.
With Halloween falling on a Wednesday you might consider cutting your pumpkin earlier. An occasional misting inside or soaking can help slow the deterioration and keep your pumpkin looking fresh longer.
At the Park, we have a couple of Magical Pumpkins that I picked up at Costco a few years ago. You might see what they have if you wish to avoid the mess of carving. Michaels has some creative decorations, as well. Whatever you decide to do have fun and be safe!
Note: If You have too much candy leftover from Halloween Activities, many Dentists will purchase your excess candy by the pound. In addition, there are many non-profit organizations that will take your extra candy and send it to Service Personnel in the Military with their care packages. You can check with Your Local Community Organizations for options to donate it, as well.
Happy Halloween
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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