6. For shaving circle shapes: melon baller
You can shave perfect circles into your pumpkin shell, just like in the photo above, simply by using a melon baller, such as the one from OXO SoftWorks. (Target, $7.99)
7. For mapping out template designs: needle tool
Instructions for pumpkin design templates, available in stores and online, often recommend mapping out the design using a pin or needle tool. The pin-prick design gives you exact guidelines for where to cut, without ink or pencil lines left behind when you’re finished carving. (Axner, $1.15)
8. For larger dotted designs: awl
The simple hand-punched design on the pumpkin pictured above was done with an awl by designer Paul Lowe of New York City. An awl allows for holes slightly larger than pin holes, and can be a good substitute if you don’t have a power drill. (Fine Leatherworking, $19)
More: 21 Hilarious Group & Trio Halloween Costume Ideas
9. For whimsical touches: cookie cutters
Cookie cutters are a great way to carve fun and unexpected designs into a pumpkin. You’ll need a mallet to hammer the cookie cutter all the way through the pumpkin rind, as in the center photo. Then, if you like, save the cut-outs for an extra decoration on your masterpiece, as shown in the final photo. (Sur la Table, $12)
10. For quick cuts with precision: reciprocating saw
“Nothing beats a reciprocating saw for decapitating a pumpkin,” says blogger Tom Nardone of Extreme Pumpkins. Nardone maintains that especially for large pumpkins, nothing gives you a smoother result in a shorter amount of time than a reciprocating saw. He also uses this type of saw to cut out the bottom of a pumpkin, when the design calls for a bottom point of entry rather than a lid. (Home Depot, $119)
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