By Clementine Boylan,
Staff Writer.
With Halloween just around the corner, jack-o-lanterns are once again making their annual visit to neighborhood doorsteps. While the classic motif of triangle eyes and crooked teeth will never go out of style, the face feels repetitive and ends up looking awfully similar to every other pumpkin on the block. However, with a few unconventional techniques, an ordinary pumpkin can be transformed into something much more creative!
One way to add dimension is to utilize the pumpkin’s several layers of flesh. Most are tempted to take a straightforward approach to carving by slicing straight through the entire gourd. However, rather than cutting large chunks, try carefully whittling away only the outer rind with a ribbon tool or craft knife. Carving to different depths allows different amounts of light to shine through. When lit up, thinly or completely carved sections will glow brightly, while thicker areas will remain dark. By using this method, you’ll be able to create shadows and intricate patterns!
Even a simple change in lighting can completely transform the appearance of a lit jack-o-lantern. Instead of the standard yellow glow, try using colorful LEDs to create a totally different personality based on the mood you want to set! Using red lights can make the pumpkin look sinister, while blue lights create a cold and ghostly effect. The sky is the limit when it comes to different combinations of colors!
If you want to craft a jack-o-lantern truly like no other, take a mixed media approach! You don’t have to limit yourself to just pumpkins. Other vegetables can become a part of the design, such as carrots for jagged teeth or carved potatoes for bulging eyeballs. “I think pumpkin carving is a great way to experience Halloween and really get into the Halloween spirit while being social and connecting to the people around you. Could be dangerous, though. Watch out,” said freshman Alden Ventura.
Halloween is the perfect time to experiment and get messy. Thinking outside the pumpkin can turn an ordinary gourd into a truly one-of-a-kind art piece!
