It sits in the center of the kitchen table.  The perfectly shaped pumpkin.  Awaiting the transformation into something profound and unique.

So how do you decide how to carve your pumpkin?

Many sites on the web offer free Halloween pumpkin carving stencils for printing on your home printer.  You can create just about any design from any printed template.  There's no need to buy the carving kits at the store anymore.

Visit Celebrating Halloween.com for a variety of pumpkin carving stencils ranging from traditional cats and ghosts to flamingos.  Yes, you read that right!  Simply click on the picture of your choice and a second page will open.  Follow the instructions to download the pumpkin-carving stencil.

Website: http://www.celebrating-halloween.com/pumpkincarving/index.shtml

If you've got toddlers or preschoolers at home, why not carve their pumpkin with a favorite character from Noggin or Nick Jr?  Visit`the link below to find character stencils for Dora, Diego and the Backyardigans as well as all your children's favorite shows.

ebsite: http://www.nickjr.com/printables/nickjr-pumpkin-stencils.jhtml?path=/printables/all-shows/seasonal_halloween/all-ages/index.jhtml

PumpkinMasters.com offers 4 scary and creepy stencils to create the perfect frightening pumpkin for Halloween night.  Visit the link below to print these free stencils.

Website:  http://www.pumpkinmasters.com/free_patterns_main.asp

Disney Family Fun offers a variety of traditional, easier carving templates.  Visit the link below to see patterns for cats, bats, ghost spiders and more.

Website: http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/pumpkin-carving-decorating/