By Beverly Frank
For many Halloween celebrants pumpkin carving has evolved far from the Jack-O-Lantern days of triangle eyes and half-circle mouths littered with a tooth or two. In fact today even the detailed stencils of haunted houses, witches and ghosts are starting to look amateur. Pumpkins have become even more and more detailed and impressive with the invention of new and unique carving techniques. One new technique that has become highly popular in extreme pumpkin carving, which can look too daunting (for the non-artistically inclined), is 3-D pumpkin carving.
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This technique in carving is more like pumpkin sculpting. Unlike traditional pumpkin carving there is no need to hollow out the pumpkin first, since there is no light or candle inside. In fact, you should never see the very inside of the pumpkin at all, unless of course you make a mistake and carve too deep. To make a 3-D pumpkin sculpture, you will use the pumpkin as is and simply carve a portrait into the side. This is done by using tools such as clay ribbon loops, a very sharp and exacting knife, and a paring knife to slowly whittle away layers of pumpkin meat. The result can be the most remarkable pumpkin anyone in your neighborhood has ever seen.
If you are interested in trying this technique there are some tips that you should be aware of. Here are a few of them:
* The Internet is a great source of information. If you do not personally know anyone who is into 3-D pumpkin carving you can gain a lot of information from a quick search on the web. There are sites that can offer tips, patterns and best of all photos to allow you to see what you are working towards. Be sure to check out several sites to really get an in-depth idea of what you are doing.
* Do not be afraid to use a stencil. While many experienced pumpkin carvers feel comfortable doing a design freehand beginners may find more security in using a stencil. While there are several sites that offer stencils for purchase unless your heart is set on something specific you find hundreds of 3-D pumpkin carving stencils online for free.
* Pick the right pumpkin. It is important to get a pumpkin with a thick wall. In order to get this kind you will have to choose one that is very heavy for its size. Experts also advise that you should avoid perfectly round pumpkins and opt for ones that have a protruding ridge that sticks out on one side. These shapes can make nice faces as it would be much more difficult to carve a 3-D face onto a shallow flat surface.
* Use the right tools. This is not a technique that works with just any tool. Expert extreme pumpkin carvers recommend certain tools for a reason-they work. Thinking that you can skimp and just use anything that you have at home is a mistake. This is due to the fact that you will need sharp and exacting tools to complete your design. Not using the right tools means that you probably will not get the design right and worse yet you could seriously injure yourself.
* Remember that this is technique that takes a lot of patience and practice. This is an art form and with practice and over time you will get better at it. Do not get discouraged if your first few tries are not exactly what you want. The fun of extreme Halloween pumpkin carving is in letting your creativity flow to make that super special extreme jack o lantern!
Stop by http://www.funhalloween.net/ for more Halloween crafts and holiday ideas.
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