What Shape Are Pumpkins?
Pumpkins are available in many different sizes, colors, and textures. The most familiar shape is the traditional round pumpkin. This profile makes it instantly recognizable while also making them ideal for carving into jack-o'-lanterns or decorative canvases for Halloween or Fall decorations. If you are thinking of using pumpkins to decorate, there are many options and color choices to select from. One option is to use oblong or oval-shaped pumpkins for free-form pumpkin carvings to
Traditional Jack-o’-Lantern
If the traditional look is what you’re going for, you can’t go wrong with a spooky, carved jack-o’-lantern. You’re only limited by your creativity. You can use a template or carve a face freehand. There are a lot of tool options. For a safe, fun pumpkin carving activity children can do with supervision, a pumpkin carving kit is the perfect choice as it allows you to create countless designs without overly sharp instruments. Just score the outside of the pumpkin, use a crayon to trace your design, cut it out and then clean up the edges.
Get Creative With Fun Carving Ideas
If you’re stuck thinking of ideas for a pumpkin carving design to display on your porch this Halloween, we’ve got some DIY designs to take your pumpkin from ordinary to outstanding. Whether you want to create a spooky face or a stylish piece of décor, these Halloween pumpkin carving ideas and stencils will help get you started.
Punk Rock and Angry Pumpkins
Punk Rock Pumpkin: This pumpkin has a handle nose, hinge ears and a lock earring. Wire hair completes the effect. Download the face patterns.
Angry Pumpkin: This pumpkin has a toothy grin. But what’s behind those eyes? Carve one of these pumpkins with our patterns.
Frightened and Nervous Pumpkins
Frightened Pumpkin: Strands of wire show this pumpkin witnessed a frightful sight. Create your own pumpkin with our patterns.
Nervous Pumpkin: This pumpkin seems nervous with wide eyes and chattering teeth. Try this design with our face patterns.
Curly-Haired and Happy Pumpkins
Gourd Goblin and Stacked Scarecrow Pumpkins
Try Pumpkin Designs with Etching and More
If you want decorating ideas that are a bit different than a traditional carved pumpkin, we’ve got some designs you can try. From etching to creating pumpkin lanterns, these ideas can give you a perfect porch for the season.
With etched designs, the pumpkin’s glow depends on the thickness of the flesh. For less light, leave the skin thick. For a lot of light, scrape the skin until it’s thin. You can speed up the process with an oscillating tool.
Gingko Garland and Fall Leaf Pumpkin
Ginkgo Garland: Wrap a pumpkin in carved leaves. Get the free stencil, trace the pattern and cut away the outer skin with pumpkin carving tools.
Fall Leaf Pumpkin: Try a fall leaf design. Outline the downloadable stencil with holes about 1/4 inch apart, then scrape out the design, removing the top layer of skin. Accent with a mini pumpkin or two.
Owl Pumpkin and Star-Gazing Cat Pumpkin
Owl Pumpkin: Create an owl face. Outline the owl pattern with holes about 1/4 inch apart. Create grooves for the thin lines. With the blade at an angle, carve both sides of the outline to create a V-channel.
Star-Gazing Cat Pumpkin: A cat is perfect for the season. Outline the cat pattern with holes and then scrape out the sky around the cat and stars.
Bat Pumpkin and Textured Designs Pumpkin
Bat Pumpkin: Use a bat for facial features. Outline the stencil with holes about 1/4 inch apart. Scrape off the top layer of the pumpkin. Leave a thin layer for a two-toned look.
Textured Design: Try detailed designs with a Dremel rotary tool. An etching bit outlines the design, and a sanding bit removes the pumpkin skin for texture or depth.
Street Address Pumpkins and Pumpkin Path Lights
Street Address Pumpkin: Paint a large pumpkin as a background for your address. A white pumpkin will work well. Now, just attach house numbers with nails.
Pumpkin Path Lights: Make outdoor lanterns. Bore holes in painted pumpkins and add finials. An opening in the back lets you add LED tea lights. Use eyebolts to suspend them from shepherds hooks.
Mum Planter Pumpkin and Spooky Spider Pumpkin
Mum Planter: A medium or large pumpkin is a perfect planter for an autumn arrangement. Scoop out the pumpkin, drill drainage holes, and add potting soil and live mums.
Spooky Spider: With paint, dowel rods and wood glue, you can create this imaginative spider. Make a web for your pumpkin spider by tying together some simple white yarn.
Use Paint and Decorations
If carving isn’t on your to-do list but you still want a decorated jack-o’-lantern, there are many more ways to get a great Halloween item. You can paint your pumpkin in a solid color, with a spooky or fun design, and use twine, wire and other home items to make a unique addition to your Halloween décor.
Using Clorox® Regular Bleach2 with CLOROMAX® to Keep Pumpkins Fresh
To keep your pumpkin masterpieces looking freshly carved for longer, try mixing three teaspoons of Clorox® Regular Bleach2 with CLOROMAX® in 3 gallons of water. Add the solution to a labelled spray bottle and liberally mist the inside of your pumpkin after you’re done carving. This smart tip works for pumpkins of any size.