Gone are the days when pumpkin carving consisted of using a sharp knife to cut out basic triangles and squares. Today there all kinds of pumpkin templates to choose from and the knives have been replaced by safer pumpkin cutting tools. Thank god! Books of pumpkin patterns can be bought at local grocery stores in the Halloween section. Or you can find online templates like my favorite site Zombie Pumpkins. They have amazing patterns that range from beginner to advanced in skill level. Every year we carve at least one each and judge them on Halloween night! My brothers are becoming carving masters. Speaking of carving masters there are several TV shows that showcase how far you can go in the art of pumpkin carving. Food Network has a whole slew of specials where artists showcase their talents at carving pumpkins and other creepy creations. Get inspired, get a tool and start carving! Don’t forget to keep the seeds for a tasty treat.