Hello Fall!

I found this article on Southern Living.com on how to trace a template to carve a fantastic pumpkin, and I had to share!

Step 1: After selecting your pumpkin, wipe the outer surface clean.

Step 2: Decide if you want to remove a round piece from the top with the stem as a handle, or remove the bottom of the pumpkin.

Step 3: For the "top" method, cut off the lid of the pumpkin at an angle. This prevents the top from falling in.

Step 4: Using the "bottom" method allows you to place the carved pumpkin over a candle or lights. Without breaking the stem, carefully turn the pumpkin upside down. Cutting about 1 inch in from outside edge, cut and discard bottom of pumpkin.
 
Step 5: If the flesh inside is very thick, gently cut or scrape away any excess to about a 1-inch thickness.

 Step 6: Templates use negative space to create designs. You will cut away the dark areas.

Step 7: Tape desired template to the "front" of your upright pumpkin. If you have trouble making it fit, cut small slits in edges of template paper to ease it around the curved surface.
 
Step 8: Using a thumbtack, straight pin, or wooden pick, poke holes about every 1/8; to ¼ inch along design lines on the edge you are supposed to cut.
 

Step 9: Carefully remove template. Save the pattern to use as a guide.
 
Step 10: Cut away the negative space along pierced lines.

Step 11: If a piece breaks or is cut in error, use wooden picks to secure it back into the design.
 
Step 12: To preserve a cut pumpkin, place "front" side down in a tub of cold water. Let pumpkin float and slowly fill with water. Soak up to 8 hours or overnight. You may add a tiny bit of liquid bleach to water to prevent mold. Immediately dry pumpkin when removed from water.

Step 13: Rub a coating of petroleum jelly on cut edges to hold in the moisture from soaking. 

Photos courtesy of Southern Living.