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You are here: Home / Crafts / Easy Carved Pumpkins for Halloween

Easy Carved Pumpkins for Halloween

October 14, 2013 By Shannah Coe 83 Comments

We had  a semi-monsoon hit the east coast last week/weekend.  We were visiting my parents for a few days and really needed something to do to pass the time and entertain the kids.  Creating a carved pumpkin is a fantastic rainy day activity so we decided to go for it.
Finished Pumpkins with label_wm

Carving pumpkins can be one of the most frustrating things about Halloween.  I am definitely not the resident carver in our house.  The main reason…I like my fingers and don’t want to slice one of them off with a giant kitchen knife.  Sure, I can handle a knife IN the kitchen when it comes to chopping but carving up a pumpkin just isn’t on my list of mommy super powers.  Pumpkin Masters totally gets that there are people like me out there though and they make tools so you can easily make carved pumpkins.  Heck, they even have stuff so YOUR KIDS can carve pumpkins.
Pumpkin Masters Carving Kits_wm

The first step towards some awesome carved pumpkins is obviously picking your pumpkin!  I always try to do a tall skinny one with an attractive front.  I’m a dreamer…what can I say?
Pumpkin Patch_wm

Next, decide on what you want to actually carve into your pumpkin.  I always have to physically draw it onto the face of my pumpkin.  OH, and my drawings look like H or E might have done them because my creativity does not flow into my fingers for drawing.  Most of the #PumpkinMasters kits come with awesome designs that you can  use on your pumpkins so it doesn’t matter how great of an artist you are 🙂
Hailey Drawing Dots_wm

Be sure to clean out the insides before you start carving.  Save the seeds and toast them if that is your sort of thing…they make yummy salad toppings!
Pumpkin cutting with label2_wm

Hailey and Gramps Carving_wm

Once you are done carving, you can leave it as is or throw one of these super cute strobe lights inside for a little fun.
Xtreme-Strobe-Pumpkin-Light-Color

This little pumpkin carving extravaganza actually got done in one morning thanks to the awesome tools we had to use from Pumpkin Carvers.
Finished vampire pumpkin_wmFinished Cat Pumpkins_wmFinished Pumpkins_wm

The tools made the pumpkins easier to carve and I could let H use some of them on her own pumpkin without fear she’d cut off a digit. Plus, they are available in lots of stores like Target and Walmart so the tools are always easy to find.

Want to show off your amazing pumpkin carving skills? Enter the Pumpkin Masters Carving Competition by sharing a pic of your carving via Instagram or Twitter with #PumpkinMasters2013, submitting via the Facebook app or sending via email to: social@pumpkinmasters.com to enter for the chance to win one of six prizes, including $5,000 for the Best Pumpkin. The contest runs until October 31st and all the details can be found here.

As a special treat, Pumpkin Masters is giving away a set of their most popular pumpkin carving items to one lucky reader. Simply fill out the rafflecopter for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

sig

Filed Under: Crafts, holidays, Kids, Sponsors Tagged With: carved pumpkins, Clever Girls Collective, halloween, halloween crafts, pumpkins

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Comments

  1. Erin says

    October 14, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    I love craving pumpkins but get a kick out of decorating too!
    Erin recently posted…The Beatrix Girls Review and GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Oh decorating is a ton of fun too!

      Reply
  2. Debbie says

    October 14, 2013 at 9:44 pm

    Love the templates! They look great!
    Debbie
    Debbie recently posted…Better Homes and Gardens DinnerwareMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:45 am

      The templates were great! I think they were the main reason my pumpkin didn’t look ridiculous.

      Reply
  3. Laura @ Inspiration for Moms says

    October 14, 2013 at 10:30 pm

    Love your pumpkins! Those kits look like they will be really helpful!
    Laura @ Inspiration for Moms recently posted…An Honestly Good For You LunchMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:44 am

      THanks! The patterns that come with many of the tools are great too.

      Reply
  4. Donna says

    October 14, 2013 at 11:59 pm

    I was just thinking “HEY – I totally need to shop for some of these tools!” Your pumpkins turned out cute! Mine – not so much! And lo and behold – a giveaway! Yay! Favorite thing to do on Halloween: Umm…dress up? Go trick or treating with the kids? Decorate our house (inside and out)? Boo our neighbors? I love it all. One of my favorite holidays!
    Donna recently posted…Rainbow Barbie Birthday Party {Customer Party}My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:43 am

      These tools definitely make carving so much easier. The patterns along were a life saver for me. Good luck in the giveaway 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rebecca Cronin says

    October 15, 2013 at 12:14 am

    Carving out the pumpkins with the kids, this year we are doing mini ones each, so excited!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Oh fun to do one each! We have a few mini ones that I think I will let the kids finger paint this year.

      Reply
  6. Lisa says

    October 15, 2013 at 8:39 am

    We just got our pumpkins.l I’ll have to pick this up!
    Lisa recently posted…I’m Heading to LA for the Red Carpet #DisneyFrozenEvent!!!!My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:41 am

      Definitely pick up a set of the carving tools. The kid friendly one was really awesome.

      Reply
  7. KC @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family says

    October 15, 2013 at 8:51 am

    Very cute pumpkins! We love the Pumpkin Masters tools…they rock!
    KC
    KC @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family recently posted…Real Fun Features #34My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:40 am

      Thanks! We are definitely big fans of the tools and the helpful drawings that come along with them. The kids love the strobe light too.

      Reply
  8. Dee says

    October 15, 2013 at 9:26 am

    We always use these kits! Your creations are fantastic!
    Dee recently posted…Got Giveaways? 10/15 Giveaway LinkyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:39 am

      This was my first time using the kit but I loved it. The drawings that you can use made it so easy to get a really great face on our pumpkin.

      Reply
  9. Giveaways 4 Mom says

    October 15, 2013 at 9:52 am

    Thanks for the great ideas. We have our pumpkins but we still have to carve them.
    Giveaways 4 Mom recently posted…Tell Me About it TuesdayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 10:37 am

      Hope you have a great time carving your pumpkins! We definitely did 🙂

      Reply
  10. Francine @ Teresa's Family Cleaning says

    October 15, 2013 at 10:39 am

    These came out terrific! I have some of these tools at home and will be using them over the weekend.

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks! Definitely get carving 🙂

      Reply
  11. Virginia @thatbaldchick says

    October 15, 2013 at 11:09 am

    I stink at carving pumpkins, they never turn out the way I envision them. LOL. Your cat eye pumpkin is really cute. I think I might be able to manage that one.
    Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…Running in the DarkMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 1:01 pm

      Oh, I am typically terrible at carving too. My daughter and her grandfather took on the cat one 🙂 I did the hole punch one {not shown} because it just involved punching holes which I couldn’t mess up.

      Reply
  12. Kathy @ CountingToTen says

    October 15, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    I LOVE these kits! You’re making me feel like a slacker mom…we haven’t even bought pumpkins yet! yikes!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      Haha…you are definitely not a slacker! We have a tradition to get pumpkins with my parents the 2nd weekend of OCtober every year.

      Reply
  13. Recreate and Decorate says

    October 15, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    we carve pumpkins each year, my girls are teens and they still love it!
    Recreate and Decorate recently posted…Spooky family halloween craftMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 1:01 pm

      So much fun! I hope to continue for years to come with my kids too.

      Reply
  14. Christy@ Our Southern Home says

    October 15, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Wow!!! These turned out great and you made it look so easy!!! So looking forward to doing some pumpkin carving with my kids!! hugs!!! Christy

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 1:58 pm

      Thanks! Using the templates really did make it super easy!

      Reply
  15. Christine Lukem says

    October 15, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    I love carving pumpkins and baking Halloween goodies. Your cat pumpkin is great! Love it!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 1:55 pm

      I love all the preparation before Halloween too! Thanks for the kind words.

      Reply
  16. Pam says

    October 15, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    That cat is so awesome. My daughter wanted to carve a cat this year but we didn’t have a template for it!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 1:54 pm

      The cat was so fun! I loved that they made the little circles for my daughter to color in as a guide for cutting.

      Reply
  17. Shauna says

    October 15, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    I love those kits that have everything in them. We used to make such a day out of carving… now we kind of rush it because we live in a climate where the pumpkins will go bad in a matter of days, so we don’t carve until a day or two before Halloween…

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      These kits are awesome! They definitely have everything you need to do a great carving.

      Reply
  18. Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says

    October 15, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    Pumpkin picking is my favorite fall activity 🙂
    Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings recently posted…Breakfast Sandwich {GIVEAWAY}My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:39 pm

      I love going pumpkin picking too!

      Reply
  19. Jennifer B says

    October 15, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Your pumpkins turned out great! We love to carve pumpkins too, but it is a lot of work!
    Jennifer B recently posted…Lilla Rose Flexi Clip GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:41 pm

      Thanks! Carving is definitely a lot of work but we love it.

      Reply
  20. brett says

    October 15, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    love the vampire dude. he’s cool.

    we hvae a strobe for our pumpkin. we’re hoping we have power this year for halloween. haven’t for 3 years running now!
    brett recently posted…Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie RecipeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:42 pm

      Oh no…no power for 3 years on Halloween?! That is awful.

      Reply
  21. Amy Desrosiers says

    October 15, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    We have this very same kit, but have not used it yet! Hopefully this weekend we can get to it, and carve up a storm!
    Amy Desrosiers recently posted…Dixie Midwest: Santa’s Milk & Cookies Personalized Photo Ornament #HolidayGiftGuideMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:42 pm

      The kits were awesome, right? Hope yours turned out well.

      Reply
  22. Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says

    October 15, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    You made it look SOO simple to carve a pumpkin that looks stunning… I soo have to try this,mine always look bad 🙁
    Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom recently posted…Your little one can be comfy and in style with pediped shoes #Review #GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:43 pm

      Haha…carving is definitely anything but simple. It is definitely a struggle.

      Reply
  23. Malia says

    October 15, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    I like carving pumpkins and getting my girls all dressed up in their costumes.
    Malia recently posted…Pier 1 Imports – Tasting PartyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:43 pm

      Oooh…two super fun things for Halloween.

      Reply
  24. Rhonda says

    October 15, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    Carving pumpkins and roasting seeds!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      Roasting seeds is definitely one of the benefits of carving a pumpkin!

      Reply
  25. Dawn Lopez says

    October 15, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    How adorable.. I just love that cat pumpkin! And.. how cool is that strobe light! I must grab one.. or a bunch for Halloween. Neato!
    Dawn Lopez recently posted…Tips for Keeping Your Families Eyes Protected Everyday #WorldSightDayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:44 pm

      The strobe lights were super fun! Our kids absolutely loved them.

      Reply
  26. Steph @ The Silly Pearl says

    October 15, 2013 at 8:08 pm

    Love how they turned out! My girls really want to try out the cat one!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      The cat one was fairly easy. I love that you could just stick the eyes into the holes versus carving a lot of detail out.

      Reply
  27. Danielle @ We Have It All says

    October 15, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    I LOVE those, they turned out great! You make it look so easy too!
    Danielle @ We Have It All recently posted…October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month | Have You Met My Baby Jack?My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      Thanks so much for your sweet compliment.

      Reply
  28. Jordyn @Almost Supermom says

    October 15, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    Yay! Perfect timing, we are headed to the pumpkin patch tomorrow 🙂 Can’t wait to carve pumpkins!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Oh, I hope you had a great time at the pumpkin patch.

      Reply
  29. Katherine Bartlett says

    October 16, 2013 at 12:10 am

    What a great way to make the perfect pumpkin!
    Katherine Bartlett recently posted…Fall For Dukan Diet: Celeb Nutritionist Simone Gloger Talks Weight Loss CoachingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Thanks! We really liked working with the different kits.

      Reply
  30. Janeane Davis says

    October 16, 2013 at 12:32 am

    Each Halloween I see pumpkin carving kits and beautifully carved pumpkins. It always makes me wonder what other fruits and vegetables I could carve into something beautiful.
    Janeane Davis recently posted…Feel Adventuresome? Back Up Your Technology and Try Something NewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      Oh, I bet you could carve up any type of gourd or squash.

      Reply
  31. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    October 16, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    The eyes are something that are new to me. They add a whole new element to the decorations! I like the ones you made, by the way.
    Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted…New Orleans Adventures Day 4 #FollowYourNolaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      Aren’t those eyes super fun? I love that they put things like that in the kid kit because it makes carving so much easier for them.

      Reply
  32. Karen says

    October 16, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    My favorite Hallowen Activity is decorating pumpkins and decorating inside n outside the house!
    Karen recently posted…Fabletics 50% OffMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:48 pm

      So fun! I was a little sad we didn’t do as much outdoor decorating as we normally do this year.

      Reply
  33. Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says

    October 16, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    Oh those look like so much fun! I definitely need to get a carving set this year to make it easier.
    Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies recently posted…The small kindnesses that give me hopeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:48 pm

      I was surprised at how easy the carving set made everything. I loved the templates.

      Reply
      • Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies says

        November 1, 2013 at 6:17 pm

        I got one and it was great!
        Stephanie @ From the Burbs to the Boonies recently posted…What I learned from my spending challengeMy Profile

        Reply
  34. Brooke (DesignedByBH) says

    October 16, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    Pumpkin seeds are my favorite part about carving a pumpkin! 🙂
    Pinning this to my Giveaways board (and of course, are glad you shared this on the Daily Blog Boost, as well.)
    Brooke (DesignedByBH) recently posted…How Much? Planning for Alcohol at Your Wedding or EventMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Pumpkin seeds are so delicious. Great choice.

      Reply
  35. malia says

    October 16, 2013 at 7:57 pm

    Great job Shannah and family! My fave Halloween activity is eating candy!
    malia recently posted…Chocolate Dipped ApplesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      Oooh eating candy is a big perk to the holiday.

      Reply
  36. Jill @ Called To Be A Mom says

    October 16, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    The carving kit looks like it is very helpful. You did a great job on your pumpkins.
    Jill @ Called To Be A Mom recently posted…Link UP trialMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:51 pm

      I really loved the templates in the carving kit. It made carving a great design so easy.

      Reply
  37. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    October 17, 2013 at 9:52 am

    How fabulous are these. Love it. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
    Marty@A Stroll Thru Life recently posted…Fall In the Breakfast RoomMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 18, 2013 at 1:19 pm

      Thanks! We had such a great time carving them as a family.

      Reply
  38. Pam says

    October 18, 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Love carving pumpkins and toasting the seeds……mmmmm!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 24, 2013 at 11:53 am

      Ooh toasted pumpkin seeds are delicious.

      Reply
  39. Shanna says

    October 22, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Very creative! I love the cat!
    Shanna recently posted…Shower Power with the Waterpik Medallion Shower Head (One Commenter will Win a $100 Home Depot Gift Card!)My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 23, 2013 at 2:26 pm

      My daughter loved the cat design too…I think it is the eyes that she likes most.

      Reply
  40. Moja says

    October 27, 2013 at 12:13 am

    Love all of the great carving ideas! Great post! Can’t wait to carve up our pumpkins tomorrow.
    Moja recently posted…Mom’s NightMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      November 1, 2013 at 12:52 pm

      Hope you had a great time carving your pumpkins.

      Reply
  41. Kim~madeinaday says

    October 30, 2013 at 9:02 am

    Stopping by to let you know I featured you today on my Spooktacular Linky Party Final Features! Thanks so much for joining this years party!
    Kim

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 31, 2013 at 8:53 am

      Kim – Thanks so much for the feature! I just adore your blog.

      Reply

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About Me

Hi, I'm Shannah! Welcome to My Suburban Kitchen, where you'll find tons of recipe ideas including family friendly dinners, sinfully delicious desserts and even Paleo and Whole30 recipes. I love spending time in our kitchen and also share little glimpses of my life as a wife to one awesome Mathlete and working mom to 2 cute kids! I hope you'll grab a seat at our table and enjoy your time in the kitchen with us.

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