How to Shave a Pumpkin Design for Halloween
Take your jack-o’-lantern carving to a new level by learning how to easily carve and scrape off the top layer of a pumpkin to give it layers for a 3D effect.
Looking for a new twist on the Halloween pumpkin carving tradition? Try combining shaving and carving techniques to create a 3D effect that will make your jack-o'-lantern the envy of the neighborhood.
Jessyca Williams
Tools and Materials:
- pumpkin spray bottle
- bleach
- clean cloth
- bucket
- keyhole saw
1. Clean the Pumpkin
Clean off any dirt from the pumpkin. Spray the outside with a small amount of bleach to kill any bacteria. Flip the pumpkin upside down into a bucket. (Tip: The pumpkin gets nutrients from the stem, so leaving it intact will help it last longer.) Use a keyhole saw to cut a hole in the bottom at an angle. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin and remove seeds and strings using the spoon in the carving kit or use a grapefruit spoon with serrated edges.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
The Best Roasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe
Don't throw out the pumpkin seeds! Follow our recipe, and give this sweet treat as a host/hostess gift for the holidays.
2. Pin Stencil to Pumpkin
Attach the stencil to the front of the pumpkin with pushpins. You might need to cut the paper around the stencil pattern to get it to lay on the round surface.
Jessyca Williams
3. Outline the Design
Make an outline of the pattern using an awl from the pumpkin kit (an ice pick or pencil compass will also work) to jab tiny holes all around the pattern of the stencil.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
4. Lightly Carve the Pattern
Remove the stencil. Connect the dots using the blade in the carving kit or a craft knife. Lightly cut around the outside of the design, but don't cut all the way through the pumpkin. This outline cut will prevent the other carving tools from accidentally going outside of the design.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
5. Scrape Partial Cuts
Cut out the smaller designs with the keyhole saw. Use a chisel to slowly shave the top layer of the pumpkin skin from the design.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
6. Make Full Cuts
Use a deeper chisel to remove more of the pumpkin once the skin is removed. Cut out the bigger design using a keyhole saw. Clean up the edges of the holes with the pottery tool that comes in the carving kit or a craft knife.
Jessyca Williams
Jessyca Williams
7. Light It Up
Add a candle and enjoy your 3D jack-o’-lantern.
Jessyca Williams