Free stencils
Time: An hour or more (varies with complexity)
Cost: About $20 for the cutting tools
Notes: We used pottery modeling hand tools (scraper, stylus, gouge, and saber saw) from an art supply store to carve these designs. A pumpkin-carving kit (available at craft stores and some supermarkets)
can also work. Kitchen knives suffice only for very simple designs. Click here to print a template of a leaf, acorn, or spider. Materials
Pumpkin
Small saber saw
Scraper or large, heavy spoon
Template or your own design
Masking tape
Stylus or pushpin
V-shaped gouge for cutting linoleum
Candle, tap light, or low-wattage bulb and socket
Directions 1. Use saber saw or knife to cut a top from pumpkin.
Remove seeds and pulp from the inside.
With scraper, scrape inside pumpkin until walls are an inch thick.
2. Draw a leaf, acorn, or spider (or use our template) and make several photocopies.
3. Use masking tape to position the photocopy on the pumpkin. With stylus, prick through the paper into the rind to create a dotted outline of the design (above left).
4. Use gouge to make fine details in the rind — either on the surface (such as for leaf veins, left) or deeper (such as for a spider's single thread).
5. Following outline, use saber saw to cut out shapes (C). 6. From inside the pumpkin, push the shapes partway out (about ¼ inch).
7. Place a candle inside the pumpkin or, for a brighter effect, use a low-wattage bulb in a light socket, as we did. (Be sure the socket is rated for outdoor use and monitor carefully.) We cut two holes into the back of the pumpkin, one to hold the socket and the other (up high) for the warm air to escape.
ENLARGE IMAGE
