Tired of the traditional Jack-O-Lantern and searching for something really special this Halloween? Then try these alternative pumpkin-carving ideas suitable for all ages. Novices beware, there are little tricks required to create some of these pumpkin treats!

• Black-Light Pumpkins: Transform a humble pumpkin into a groovy gourd with glow-in-the-dark or florescent paints and a black light. Simply paint the desired design on the surface of the pumpkin and situate the black light to show off your own wickedly creative Halloween display. The trick-or-treaters will rave over the spook-tacular light show!
• Glowing Bright Pumpkins: Paint your pumpkin black and then carve with care just like normal. The fun comes when you light it up on a dark night; nothing shows except the glow!
• Pimp Your Pumpkin: Nothing says “trick or treat” like a little extra costume glitz! This year, show your extravagant side by using a glue gun to attach rhinestones and other shiny objects to create a pumpkin that is both gruesome and gaudy!
• Prim and Proper Pumpkins: Looking to turn your pumpkin from ghastly to classy for the holiday? With a drill and a template, create a soft-styled pumpkin complete with lace pattern. The drill allows for more control as you carve the delicate holes, with the end result being a pumpkin of such prim and proper proportions you'd swear it belongs in finishing school.
• Pumpkin Pincushion: Make a real statement by inserting photos, objects and even news items into your pumpkin turned pincushion. Attach items to long skewer sticks with a glue gun then simply insert them into the pumpkin. Have fun with it by creating wild themes, or add your own unique touch to the season with natural enhancements. Either way, it is sure to be a unique addition to the holiday display.
• Pumpkin People: Make it a family affair to duplicate the faces of those you love in the form of your favorite gourd. Use paints, magic markers and carving techniques to reproduce your family and friends. Try to find a pumpkin with the general shape of a face. Add decorative "hair," jewelry or other identifying features for a bit of flair. “Fake” legs and arms are a great addition for pumpkin people placed on the mantel or sitting atop a stump to welcome visitors. You can even stack smaller pumpkins on top of larger ones to create a full pumpkin body.
• Glitter Messages: Send out a clear message this Halloween with just paste and glitter. Select easy-to-read words like “Boo” or ‘Hi” to draw on the pumpkin. Outline with glue and liberally sprinkle glitter to create a nifty effect.
• Trim the Stem: Keep the pumpkin stem in its place! In fact, search for a pumpkin with a larger than average stem to embellish with ribbons, bows and glitter. Trimming the pumpkin stem is a fast way to turn an ordinary looking pumpkin into something extra special.

For more experienced pumpkin carvers, try these advanced carving techniques:

• Shaving: Instead of cutting through the skin and flesh of the pumpkin, place your template on the pumpkin and shave away the skin wherever the template doesn’t cover. This will create a “reversed” design and able you to make much more complex patterns.
• Shading: After shaving, vary the thickness of the remaining pumpkin flesh to create three-dimensional effects with light. Slice angled groves instead of complete cuts, and use a vegetable peeler to remove the pumpkin peel while leaving the meat. Experiment with shading techniques to transform a simple pumpkin into a mysterious glowing orb.
• Spotting: Use an ice pick or hand drill to create pinpointed designs and spots with ease. Be gentle and work slowly for best results.