Shaved Swirl-A-Whirl Pumpkin

Create a Halloween pumpkin that is shaved, rather than carved, for an unusual effect.

Filed under: Halloween, How To, Holiday

Materials and Tools:

pumpkin (fresh or foam)
rotary pumpkin-carving tool or a wood-carving tool
masking tape

Steps:

1. If using a fresh pumpkin, cut a hole in the bottom and remove the seeds.

2. Starting from the top of the pumpkin, make a spiral pattern with masking tape all the way around the pumpkin. Try to keep the distance between the tape lines consistent. Continue wrapping the pumpkin with tape until you reach the pumpkin's bottom.

3. This pumpkin is shaved, rather than carved, meaning only the top layer of skin is removed. Using the rotary pumpkin-carving tool or a wood-carving tool, slowly shave off the top layer of the pumpkin's skin between the taped lines. Continue from top to bottom until all that remains of the pumpkin's skin are the areas that were protected by tape. Carefully remove the tape. Insert a candle or alternative light source, such as electric or battery-powered lights, into the pumpkin to fully enjoy the swirling pattern.