Sections of the pumpkin are cut out to make a design, often depicting a face. A variety of tools may be used to carve and hollow out the gourd, ranging from simple knives and spoons to specialized instruments. It is possible to create surprisingly artistic designs, be they simple or intricate in nature. After carving, a light source (traditionally a candle) is placed inside the pumpkin and the top is put back into place. The light illuminates the design from the inside. Sometimes a chimney is carved in the lid to allow heat to escape.
 

Traditionally the carved pumpkin would be a face, often with a simple crooked toothed grin. But toward the end of the 20th century, artists began expressing every kind of idea they could imagine on pumpkins. Today, it is common to see portraits of political candidates, celebrities and cartoon characters, just to name a few. Some artists do full three-dimensional sculptures and others work with the idea that the lighted pumpkin will project in what amounts to three shades. Cut out holes will appear white; unpeeled portions will appear black, and any area that is peeled or carved to different depths will appear as various shades of yellow/orange.

Selecting the pumpkin

Look for pumpkins that are very fresh and firm.
Avoid pumpkins that may have bruised or soft areas, as well as any that have cuts or other visible blemishes.
Smooth skinned pumpkins are generally easier to draw on and carve, though craggy exteriors can also make effective and sinister-looking creations.

Steps

1. Cut out a lid in the top of the pumpkin large enough to fit your hand and a spoon inside.Add a small notch in the back of the lid. The notch will remind you how the lid is positioned, allow smoke and heat to escape, and ensure that the candle receives enough air to remain lit.
2. Scoop out the pulp and seeds. Retain the seeds for roasting.
   Scrape the inside of the pumpkin in the area where you'll be using the pattern, until that area is about 1 inch thick.
3. Trim and make small incisions in your pattern so that it lies flat on the face of the pumpkin. Tape the edges of the pattern to the pumpkin.
   Transfer the pattern by poking small holes along the pattern lines with a drill tool or needle.
4. Remove the pattern.
5. Saw carefully along the dotted lines. Gently push the pieces through with your fingers.
6. Create a glow effect by scraping designs into the shell of your pumpkin with a melon baller, wood gouge or linoleum cutter.
7. Anchor a candle in the bottom of the pumpkin and light the candle. You're now ready to display your best jack-o'-lantern ever.

Tips & Warnings

• When you're cutting out the lid, angle the saw blade toward the center of the pumpkin. This will create a ledge for the lid to sit on so that it doesn't fall into the pumpkin.
• Keep your transfer dots close together. If the dots are hard to see, rub flour over them to make them more visible.
• If your jack-o'-lantern starts to shrivel, soak it in water for several hours to freshen it.
• It's much safer to use a pumpkin-carving tool than a knife - consider picking up a pumpkin-carving set to get the job done right.