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Step 1

Select a fresh pumpkin in a shape that pleases you. Some folks prefer their pumpkins low and round, while others like them tall and oval-shaped.

Step 2

Draw a circle or hexagon on top of the pumpkin in preparation for making an opening large enough for your hand to reach through.

Step 3

Cut through the stem end of the pumpkin along your outline with a sharp knife or pumpkin-carving tool. Use a back-and-forth slicing motion to cut through the thick, tough skin.

Step 4

Remove the stem end, which will act as a cap, making sure you scrape off any seeds or pulp.

Step 5

Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. Hold the spoon by its bowl to get extra leverage while scooping.

Step 6

Draw a pattern for the face on the clean pumpkin with a felt-tip pen, or scribe the lines into the skin using a pencil. Be sure to make the eyes, nose and mouth large enough; you’ll have a hard time cutting out tiny features when you’re using a big knife blade to saw through tough skin.

Step 7

Follow your pattern as you cut all the way through the pumpkin.

Step 8

Push the cut-out features gently from the inside of the pumpkin and discard the pieces.

Step 9

Place a votive candle inside the pumpkin to create an spooky glow.