This is that time of year when gourds and pumpkins make an appearance everywhere. From the decorating of front porches to delicious pies at the dinner table, pumpkins are put to great use by many each fall.

When many of us think of pumpkins, especially this close to Halloween, we think of carving them into jack-o-lanterns. I've always had a blast carving up pumpkins, even going back to my childhood. For me, I always tried going the spooky and creepy route when decorating. But, nowadays the creativity that I see simply blows my mind.

Before you get ready to make your jack-o-lantern, there are tips and tricks to carving that perfect pumpkin according to NPR News. Check out below for 8 simple steps just in time for Halloween.

LOOK: 8 SIMPLE TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CARVING UP A PUMPKIN THIS HALLOWEEN

Fall Harvest Pumpkin Patch with ripe Pumpkins
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Pick Out the Correct Pumpkin

If you have a design already in mind, pick a shaped pumpkin that will match. Inspect your pumpkin carefully and check for soft spots. That means the pumpkin is begging to spoil and you don't want that. Avoid picking a pumpkin with deep ridges. Although they look cool, it makes the carving more difficult.


 

New York City Celebrates Halloween 2020
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Clean It Out and Thin the Shell

To really carve a good pumpkin, you may need to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. This involves removing the strings and seeds from inside the pumpkin. A special scraping tool could be a big help. Then, you'll want to scrape and thin the shell. If you don't, it could make it more difficult to carve.


 

New York City Celebrates Halloween 2020
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Sketch Out Your Design So You Can Transfer It

If you're an artist and can free-hand your design, great. But, for more detail try tracing on paper then punch pinholes through the paper unto the pumpkin. Carve along the dots and presto.


 

Pumpkinfest Pumpkin Carving Gallery Held In Doylestown, Pennsylvania
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Think Outside the Jack-O-Lantern Face

Pumpkins can be so much more than two eyes and a mouth. Try carving some bats, headstones, or even a spooky forest.


 

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Kicks Off After Pandemic-Related Delay
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Try Shaving Not Carving

Scraping away just enough to let a glowing shine through creates new design possibilities altogether. Experts say the best tool for the job is a linoleum scraper.


 

Scarecrow on a pumpkin
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Be Patient

Experts say carving a good pumpkin design could take anywhere from two to four hours. Take your time and have fun.


 

Photo: Maria Symchych-Navrotska/Getty Images
Photo: Maria Symchych-Navrotska/Getty Images
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Pumpkins Don't Have to Be Perfect

If your pumpkin is lopsided or misshaped, that can add to its character. It's alright for a design to be different.


 

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Light Them Up

I always stick votive candles in my pumpkins. Experts say six to eight for a large pumpkin. That makes a really nice glow. An alternative to candles is Christmas lights. Try ones that blink for an added effect.

Yes indeed, the more pumpkins I see in Abilene, the closer Halloween gets. Decorations can go a lot further than just jack-o-lanterns. Check out these houses in Abilene all fixed up for the holiday.

LOOK: All These Halloween Decorated Houses Are Right Here In Abilene.

These are all homes in and Around the Big Country that go all out decorating for Halloween