Pumpkin Carving 101

It's that time of year. The kids and I just made our annual pumpkin run. We each select our favorite shape and size pumpkin, take them home and carve them up.
I think this year I'll try something different and combine designs and shapes as seen in this photo.
Here are some things you'll need:
Votive Candles
Pumpkin
Paring Knives
Felt Tip Pens
Pumpkins
Pumpkin-carving Sets
Newspaper
Cinnamon
Pencils
Step by step instructions:
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.
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.
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.
4. Remove the stem end, which will act as a cap, making sure you scrape off any seeds or pulp.
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.
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.
7. Follow your pattern as you cut all the way through the pumpkin.
8. Push the cut-out features gently from the inside of the pumpkin and discard the pieces.
9. Place a votive candle inside the pumpkin to create an eerie glow.
Have a safe, happy Halloween!