11 Essential DIY Pumpkin-Carving Hacks

Break out the cookie cutters and a power drill.

1. Cut the top for easier scraping

This also makes it easier to put a candle inside

Source: blog.makezine.com

2. Use a dry erase marker instead of a Sharpie

So you can correct any mistakes before you start carving

Source: imagethumbnails.milo.com

3. Use a cookie cutter + a mallet

Source: freshhomeideas.com

4. Trace a stencil with a nail or tack

Source: naptimecrafting.blogspot.com

5. Make holes with a power drill

Source: d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net

6. Use glow-in-the-dark paint + masking tape

Source: chemistry.about.com

7. Preserve with a coating of floor cleaner

Source: heynowwhoanow.com

8. Use it as a punch bowl or drink cooler

Source: marthastewart.com

9. Turn it into a keg

Source: youtu.be

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZtVcZCaJmDc.

10. Give them teeth

Source: marthastewart.com  /  via: http://%20

11. Cover intricate, cut surfaces with Vaseline to keep them from drying out and curling up

(This tip was dropped in the comments by therbling and it’s great so it’s been added to the original post.)