Press the cleaned seeds directly into the mouth, positioning them in different directions. Gently press a peppercorn into the center of each to create pupils. Spear each eyeball with a toothpick and attach them to the tops of the eye cutouts. Use a melon baller to carve out two round eyeballs from the fleshy side of the pumpkin scraps. Wipe away any excess marker with a damp paper towel. Carve out with the craft knife and save the scraps. With a washable marker, draw two large ovals for eyes (position them slightly tilted towards each other for a sweeter, less scary look) and a wide, slightly lopsided mouth. Rinse a handful of the seeds (about 16 or so), pat dry and set aside.
Scrape away any extra flesh with the spoon. Using a craft knife, cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin and hollow out the inside. Place the witch hat on top, securing with bobby pins at the back, if necessary. Create the witch's mane by pressing on Spanish moss, adding enough so the orange rind is covered. Spread a bead of hot glue along the top and sides of the pumpkin where you want the hairline to be. Press each acorn into the flesh of an eye socket until it's secured. Remove the cap from two acorns and discard. Be careful not to poke all the way through to the inside of the pumpkin. With the tip of the craft knife, scrape away the top layer of rind to reveal the lighter flesh underneath. Try following the natural ribs of the pumpkin as a guide when deciding where to place the facial features, like the raised eyebrows or the curved mouth. Using the washable marker, draw on eyes, eyebrows and a mouth. (Tip: If the pumpkin wobbles, try securing an acorn or two at the base with hot glue to create anchoring feet). Position the pumpkin so the stem is centered where the nose should sit. So gather your gear and your gourds, because it's time to figure out what you should carve on your pumpkin - and don't forget to check out our favorite hacks to make your carved pumpkin last as long as possible. Add one jagged notch - it'll be easier to line the pieces back up.
And here's a pro tip to get you started: Don't make a perfect circle when you carve the top opening to remove the seeds. Even if you're a beginner, these Jack-'o-lantern ideas are easy to master, as long as you have some cute pumpkin carving stencils and the right pumpkin carving tools on hand (you'll want a pumpkin scooper, a tooth saw, a linoleum cutter, and an awl at the very least).
So why not go all out with some seriously creative pumpkin carving ideas this year? After all, if you can only do one Halloween craft project, you should really give it your all.įrom funny pumpkin faces to scary wicked witches, these cool carved pumpkin designs will take your Halloween decorating game to a whole new level. It's not officially Halloween until you have a collection of carved pumpkins, arranged ever so perfectly on your front porch.