Pumpkin carving is one of the most beloved Halloween traditions. If you find yourself green (or orange!) with envy and coveting the creepily creative work of others, consider this season your opportunity to step onto the pumpkin carving scene with style and flair. With the right tools and a little guidance, even the most novice Jack-O-Lantern enthusiast can wow! The following books and websites can help you get started:
BOOKS
All You Frightfully Fun Halloween Handbook by Carole Nicksin – Beyond pumpkin carving inspiration and instruction, this handbook offers Haloween decorating and costume ideas, along with seasonal recipes and party planning tips.
Extreme Pumpkins by Tom Nardone – Designed for “the egg-throwing, toilet tissue- streaming, window-soaping teenager in all of us” comes a pumpkin carving guide and idea book for those looking to put the spook back in Halloween.
Halloween Pumpkins and Parties by Better Homes and Gardens – Pumpkin, costume, food and decoration ideas from this trusted source promise Halloween memories that will “haunt you with happiness” for years to come.
WEBSITES
Zombie Pumpkins – Clear instructions and spooky patterns for beginner pumpkin carvers.
Martha Stewart – Various articles and photo galleries related to pumpkin carving and other family friendly Halloween projects.
Extreme Pumpkins – Instructions, ideas, photo galleries, and pumpkin carving contests from Tom Nardone, author of the book by the same name.
Disney – Kid friendly pumpkin carving templates for many beloved Disney characters and themes, including the Cheshire Cat, Olaf (from Frozen), and Mike Wazowski (Monsters, Inc).
Better Homes and Gardens – A host of stencils, articles and photos related to pumpkin carving, along with other Halloween projects and decorating ideas.
(Flickr photo by Noelle, available via a Creative Commons license.)