I think the number one question I get when I do 3D Pumpkin Sculpting is, “What kinds of tools do you use?” Before I get into this post, if you are new to my blog, check out my previous 3D pumpkin sculpting tool posts, here and here, where I recommend some great 3D pumpkin sculpting tools for all skill levels and where to get them.
Although I have made numerous tool recommendations and told you a few of the exact tools I have used, today I will be giving my readers a sneak peak into my actual toolbox so you can really get a sense of what I’m working with every time I sculpt a pumpkin.
I’d also like to take this time to offer up A “don’t-get-overwhelmed-or-discouraged-after-you-see-my-crap-load-of-tools” disclaimer. Ok, so, I have a LOT of tools…or rather a “collection,” if you will. When you first see them, you might be thinking, “There’s no way I can get all of that to carve a pumpkin.” Well, great! Because truth be told, you don’t really need all of it. I’ve mentioned before that since I carve often, I need backups in case my tool breaks in the midst of carving (it happens), and then backups for the backups, and backups for backups for backups, and yeah, you get the the picture. Having said that, I only use maybe 10% of what you see here each time I carve.
Well…..you asked!……..
Although there are a lot of tools there, I fully intend on adding more as time goes by. There’s everything in there from more expensive tools, all the way down to the plastic orange-handled $2 pumpkin carving kit – which work quite well for certain things. I have the conventional, all the way down to the unconventional carving tool, like the Ped Egg. I don’t discriminate when it comes to carving tools. If it works for you, then use it!
Some tools I’ve had for a few weeks (like the ones I mention in my latest pumpkin carving tool haul), and others I’ve had for over 10 years (like the wood file I took home from school for a high school sculpting homework assignment and forgot to bring back…..Sorry Mr. Herb….But rest assured that it is being put to good use!). Some I’ve had since I was a kid (like the orange-handled knives with the “safe” zig-zag blade. Ah! Nostalgia!), Some I bought from local arts and craft stores (like the paint brushes and a few small ribbon tools), and some from Amazon.com (Ped Egg, Kemper tools, knives, and peelers), and others I found while rummaging the kitchenware sections at thrift stores over the years. – Ain’t no shame in my game! 🙂 (I actually LOVE shopping at thrift stores – you never know what you’re going to find!)
Like I said before though, don’t be overwhelmed by all of this. You can sculpt a whole pumpkin with just a few tools – and I mention some great ones for beginners in my 1st pumpkin carving tool post. Check it out if the pictures above are just making your head spin. 😉
Anyhow, now that you’ve had a chance to see what my tool inventory looks like, stay tuned tomorrow to see how I store my tools and what I use to transport them.
And also, tomorrow I will have a very cool announcement that you won’t want to miss – and yes, you’ll be able to take part in it too….if you’re feeling brave enough…! 😉 Muah ha ha!
Until tomorrow! 😉