>
 
Surface carving is a new way to make great looking carvings on whole unopened pumpkins. Follow our easy instructions and with a little practice you’ll be a Surface Carver expert. (Surface Carver tools have sharp edges and are not intended for use by children under 8 years of age, adult supervision is required.)
ATTACH & TRANSFER PATTERN
  • If you choose to use one our free patterns click FREE PATTERNS for more information.
  • You may draw your own pattern using a felt tipped pen. If you use a pattern cut around the edges leaving a 1 inch border to allow the pattern to shape easier.
  • Tape down the pattern as smoothly as possible, fold and tape down excess paper on the border to shape the pattern.
  • Now poke along all pattern lines using a sharp pencil about 1/8 inch apart, poke just deep enough to pierce the skin.
  • Remove the pattern and save it as a guide while carving. If the pattern on the pumpkin is hard to see rub a little flour over it and wipe clean with a dry paper towel to highlight it.
SURFACE CARVING
  • Before carving read the instructions on the pattern they will tell you where to carve first.
  • Place the pumpkin in your lap, this will allow you to use both hands to control the tools.
  • Start with the V blade tool, this tool carves the outline of the pattern. While looking through the center of the tool align the tools guide mark with the pattern. Use the guide mark that places the blade in the area you wish to carve out. Press the tool down gently as you pull it toward you, continue until the bottom of the tool is against the pumpkin’s skin and the guide mark aligns with the pattern. Hold the tool against the skin as you follow the pattern until complete, to remove the blade back the tool up slightly, then lift.
  • Now using the U blade tool you carve out the remaining parts of the pattern. The tool rides on the skin of the pumpkin to create a uniform depth. Carve across from one side of the pattern to the other, so one side of the tool always stays on top the skin. If you have any ridges in the carved out areas rub them briskly with a paper towel until smooth.
  • The V blade tool is also your fine detail tool. While looking through the center of the tool the trick is to hold the tool off the surface and let it ride on the tips of your fingers allowing the blade to cut a narrow line as needed. This technique is challenging and may require a little practice.