CARVING pumpkins may seem like a fun family activity but it can often involve way more work that you signed up for.
One mum shared her go-to hack that will make your Halloween so much easier.
A mum-of-two shared a pumpkin carving hack she uses to make the process easier for her children (stock image)[/caption]
In her viral video, TikTok user Keisha (@keisha7788) demonstrated the quick trick for her audience.
The mum-of-two also revealed the budget buy you can use to keep your pumpkins looking fresh until spooky season is over.
After cutting the top of her pumpkin and removing the strands and seeds within, Keisha shared the technique she uses to perfect her carving the first time around.
“A mum hack I wish I knew sooner, if your littles struggle to carve pumpkins use cookie cutters,” she told her followers.
She lined up a dinosaur-shaped cutter on the front of her cutter and used a mallet to push it through.
The result was a perfectly-shaped dinosaur silhouette in the front of the pumpkin.
She advised her audience to opt for “heavy duty” cookie cutters for the best results.
Keisha also showed her audience a hack she uses to prolong the shelf life of her carved pumpkins.
The mum revealed that she uses “Vaseline to help the pumpkins last longer.”
She rubbed a dollop of the petroleum jelly around the edges of the cut area.
The TikToker also applied some of the product to the interior of the pumpkin.
If you don’t already have Vaseline tucked away in your make-up bag, you can pick it up for just £1 from Savers.
The sticky substance helps to seal the inside of the pumpkin from the air, which is what causes it to rot.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on the advice in the comments section.
“I struggle to carve pumpkins. Thank you for this. My kids will love this,” wrote one impressed viewer.
How to save on Halloween
CUT-OUTS WON’T KEEP: Once carved, pumpkins last just three to five days before they start to rot. So wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve yours, to ensure you won’t have to buy a replacement.
CHILLING CARVINGS: Carve your pumpkin right first time. Download free templates from Hobbycraft to help ensure no slip-ups.
DEVILISHY CHEAP DECORATIONS: Create spooky spider webs using old string or rope.
PAY LESS FOR FACE PAINTS: Cut costs by using your old eyeliners and eyeshadows, and dab on some talc when you need a ghostly white shade.
CUT-PRICE CANDY: Before you buy sweets to give out as treats, clear out your cupboards and see what you have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
PETRIFYING POT LUCK: Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to your party to keep hosting costs down.
SPINE-CHILLING TUNES: Turn to YouTube for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes.
HOLD A SPOOKY SWISH: Swishing — or clothes-swapping with friends — is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Hold a spooky swish before Halloween to trade costumes for kids and adults.
FRIGHTENING FREEBIES: Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: Don’t fork out for expensive fake blood. Make your own edible version instead. You can use it for cakes and to decorate costumes.
SHOP ON NOV 1: Be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.
“This is the best mum hack for this Halloween season,” said another follower.
“Wait whaaat? I’ve been struggling my whole life for nothing, my jack-o’-lanterns always turn out bad,” commented a third person.
“This is so smart! What a great way to carve pumpkins for Halloween,” wrote another person.
“Oh my God, such a fun idea! My kids lose patience carving,” said one parent.
“Oh my God, yes, I have been doing my jack-o’-lanterns like this for yeeeaaaars and someone else is finally talking about it, it’s so much fun this way,” wrote another commenter.
