Legend has it that the first halloweens did not use pumpkin. Trick or treaters used hallowed out turnips. This was before people began immigrating to the New World. When these folks discovered pumpkins, turnips became passé. Of course simple carvings have become more elaborate, but don't be daunted. Simple designs are still the best. The Frugal Yankee has gathered material from around the corner and from around the internet to help you and your family have a ghostly good time this Halloween. The following offer some tips and places to check out.

Let's start off with a couple of very good sites. The first is an excellent source for information on pumpkins and pumpkin carving is eHow.com. It has everything you need to start off and even progresses to more exert status.

A great site for families with some terrific free pumpkin carving patterns is DLTK-KIDS.com. This is run by a family and is perfect for family projects.

Now, if you're looking for unusual patterns and are willing to pay, check these sites out.

The Frugal Yankee knows it is always best to be prepared. Here are some basic tools you will need:

After you've decided what you are doing and have gotten your pumpkin, it's time to get down to business. Figure on working on the gourd for about two hours, and lay out paper for the mess.

Have fun. Here are a few more tips.

• Find the 'face' of the pumpkin. This is the side which looks the best. This is where you will carve.

• Be sure you separate the innards from the seeds, then roast the seeds in your oven for later healthy snacking.

1. Rinse pumpkin seeds under cold water and pick out the pulp and strings. (This is easiest just after you've removed the seeds from the pumpkin, before the pulp has dried.)
2. Place the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet, stirring to coat. If you prefer, omit the oil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Sprinkle with salt and bake at 325 degrees F until toasted, about 25 minutes, checking and stirring after 10 minutes.
4. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

• Pumpkins don't last long. There are some products on the market designed to prolong life, but the experts say they don't work all that well. They may add two days to the life of your creation and that's not really worth the cost. The most accepted, frugal way of extending a pumpkin's life is to wrap it in a wet towel, put it in a plastic bag and the refrigerate it during non-display hours. Some folks swear using petroleum jelly on the edges where the pumpkin is carved will also add days to the pumpkin's life.

• If you are sing a pattern, remove any excess paper off the pattern. Then tape the pattern to the pumpkin. Using a poking tool or even a push pin, create carving lines about 1/8 inch apart. Remove the pattern. Start carving.

• Use your carving saw like a pencil and saw up and down, connecting the dots you made with the push pins. Gently poke out completed or loose sections.

• When you photograph your creation, turn all light outs except the light being used for light the pumpkin. Use a tripod or your very steady hands.

When all is said and done, pumpkin carving is best when shared. Whether it is a joint project with children or the desire to create a masterpiece, display it, photograph it and when it is all over smash it or cook it.

Other articles you may enjoy:

5 Frugal Halloween Costumes
13 Frugal Halloween Tips