Pumpkin Carving 101

Going from pumpkin to jack-o-lantern is no easy task. But, if you know what you're doing you can come up with something pretty cool.

Lisa Mateo sat down with master pumpkin carver Hugh McMahon to try and learn the skill.

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Hugh's Pumpkin Cutting Tips:

1. When picking a pumpkin for carving, try and pick a shape that fits the design you are going to do.

2. Cut a hole from the bottom to preserve the shape.

3. Clean out the pumpkin using a label---a cup that is specifically designed for carving.

4. Use a marker to draw the design you are going to carve.

5. A fruit/veggie knife should be used to shape and and exacto knife should used for detailing.

6. Use lemon juice on pumpkin after carving to preserve the pumpkin.

You can catch Hugh at The American Museum of Natural History this Halloween from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.