How to carve a pumpkin with a service dog stencil

 Incorporate your service dog into the fall festivities by creating your very own carved pumpkin!

Here’s a step-by-step for how to carve a pumpkin:

Materials Needed:
- Pumpkin
- Paper stencil (download and print using THIS LINK )
- Tape
- Pumpkin carving tools or a small serrated knife
- Pumpkin scooper or large spoon
- Toothpicks or pushpins
- Permanent marker or pen (optional)
- Cutting tool or paring knife
- Bowl for seeds and pulp

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. **Select and Prepare the Pumpkin**
   - Choose a pumpkin with a smooth surface, as it will be easier to apply the stencil and carve. 
   - Cut a circular opening at the top of the pumpkin around the stem using a serrated knife. Angle the cut slightly inward to create a lid that won’t fall into the pumpkin.
   - Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a pumpkin scooper or large spoon, making sure the inside walls are smooth. Thin out the walls to about 1-inch thickness in the area where you’ll be carving.

2. **Prepare and Cut the Stencil**
   - Print or draw the service dog stencil on paper. Cut away any excess paper, leaving just enough around the design to make it easier to tape onto the pumpkin.
   - Make small slits around the edges of the paper stencil to help it lie flat against the curved surface of the pumpkin.

3. **Attach the Stencil to the Pumpkin**
   - Position the stencil where you want your design to appear on the pumpkin.
   - Use pieces of tape to secure the stencil to the pumpkin. Make sure the stencil is flat and smooth against the surface as much as possible. Adjust by using more slits in the paper if needed.

4. **Transfer the Design**
   - Using a toothpick, pushpin, or a sharp tool, poke small holes through the paper stencil along the lines of the design. Make the dots close together, around 1/8 inch apart, to create a clear outline of your pattern.
   - Once you’ve traced the entire design by poking holes, carefully remove the stencil.

5. **Optional: Draw Over the Poke Holes**
   - If you prefer a more visible guide, you can connect the dots with a permanent marker or pen to create a solid outline for carving. Be careful to follow the design closely.

6. **Carve the Pumpkin**
   - Start carving your pumpkin by following the dots or the outline you’ve drawn. Use a small serrated knife or pumpkin carving tool for the best control.
   - Start with the smaller, more detailed areas first, as they can be tricky and may break if you do the larger parts first.
   - Take your time and gently push out pieces as you cut them loose.

7. **Finishing Touches**
   - Once the design is fully carved, clean up the edges by removing any loose pumpkin flesh. You can also smooth the edges of your cuts to give the design a sharper look.
   - Wipe down the pumpkin’s surface to remove any leftover marker, pulp, or seeds.

Feel free to add your own creative touch to your service dog designed pumpkin!

Now your pumpkin is ready to display!