Once you've found a smooth, symmetrical pumpkin, it becomes all about the tools. Look beyond the knife drawer to implements intended for other uses -- say, a melon baller or a keyhole saw. The following items will make quick work of the task at hand.

This item is used to carve detail into the surface of a pumpkin with great accuracy.

We recommend: Lino Set No. 1 (#40203-1009), $8.23, by Speedball, from dickblick.com

Used by potters to create holes in clay, these short metal pipes with a sharp end and a capped one will work well on pumpkins, too.

We recommend: Hole cutters in assorted sizes, ($2.79-$3.19), by Kemper, from Blick Art Materials

The thin, sturdy blades on these saws are perfect for carving irregular shapes.

We recommend: Keyhole saw blade, X-Acto #15 (LXKY31), $7.79 for 5 blades, and X-Acto Knife #2 (LXKY73), $4.49, from Tower Hobbies

Create strips in the shell of the pumpkin using these carpentry items.

We recommend: Wood gouges from $15, from Quality Carving Supplies

The sharp teeth on this saw can slice through a pumpkin's tough shell, and its flexible blade allows for curved cuts.

We recommend: Keyhole saw (247261), $5.47, from Lowes

Cut the top off a pumpkin using a keyhole saw.

This tool makes it fast and easy to create small holes for accents or allover patterns. (Use according to manufacturer's instructions.)

These are good for transferring designs from paper to a pumpkin.

We recommend: Needle tool (PNH), $1.04, by Kemper from Ceramic Supply Inc.

This monogram was created by taping a template to the shell, and tracing it by poking holes.

These common baking tools can make uncommon designs.

Tap a cookie cutter with a rubber mallet to penetrate the shell.

Sculpting tools, such as the large plaster scraper and smaller fleshing tool, remove pulp and thin a pumpkin's walls.

We recommend: Fleshing tool (#FT453), $3.21, from Ceramic Supply Inc.

Carve spherical chunks out of the shell of a pumpkin.

These depressions will glow when light shines through them.

Now, learn how to carve a pumpkin.