In case you did not already know, Fil is super creative, artistic, and loves to do creative things. So, every year when pumpkin carving season comes around, he cannot wait to put on some spooky music and get to carving.
Usually, Fil must start by choosing the perfect pumpkins, which he did earlier in the month. He likes larger, ribbed pumpkins, with texture and a nice tall oval shape. But sometimes he likes cute little round pumpkins too, it is always hard to decide, especially if he does not really have an idea in mind of what he wants to create on it.
When it gets closer to Halloween, he starts looking through old pattern books, some from way back to 1990, so old he can hardly believe they still exist in great shape. Some years he likes to go creepier, and some more friendly. This year Fil went the more friendly route by choosing a ghost, bats, and a classic jack-o-lantern face.
Usually, Fil starts by cutting out the top from the pumpkin and cleaning out the guts, and seeds. After that, he makes a copy of his pattern on the scanner, prints it off and tapes it to the best carving side of the pumpkin. Then he takes a little pokey tool to outline the pattern, so he knows what pieces to cut out. After that, he takes a special sawing tool and cuts out all the pieces very carefully. The best part is lighting them up and seeing how they look in the dark!
Fil cannot wait to put them out on the front step to share with all the neighborhood kids, some of them might even be dressed up as an elephant! Wow that would be super cool.
Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!
