How to Create a Batman Pumpkin

Batman is always a popular personality at Halloween. You can add to the fun your little superhero experiences when you create homemade decor that builds upon his favorite theme. A pumpkin carved specifically to fit the hobby and interest of your child is a special touch, and a Batman pumpkin is one he is likely to remember forever.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Cut the top off the pumpkin. Remove all the seeds and other gunk from the inside. Only the solid pumpkin interior and exterior should remain. You can either roast the seeds or throw them away. You can use the insides of the pumpkin to make pumpkin pie or preserves. Put the top of the pumpkin back in place until carving time. You should "gut" the pumpkin only an hour or so before carving.

2. Ask your child to draw some Batman sketches. You can help him. You want to get the sketch on paper before trying to make it into a pumpkin design. A traditional Batman design is fantastic for pumpkin carving, since it's simple.

3. Ask your child to choose her favorite sketch, or choose your personal favorite from the bunch. Copy the sketch exactly onto the pumpkin. Do this lightly, in pencil. You need to be able to see it clearly on the pumpkin, but it should not be darkly imprinted.

4. Remove the pumpkin lid. Carve the sketch carefully through the pumpkin. Make sure to follow the lines precisely. Making clean, sharp cuts is very important if you want to have a professional-looking pumpkin. Since this design is broader--and more easily cut--than a pumpkin face, you will probably be done in a short amount of time. Only carve one side of this pumpkin to make it the prettiest and most effective.

5. Clean the insides of the pumpkin once again. Make sure all the carving remains are cleared.

6. Place a glowing candle in the pumpkin. For Batman, choose a dark candle. It will be perfectly offset by the orange pumpkin. You can choose a battery-operated "flame-free" candle, or you can simply go for an old-fashioned candle.

7. Display your work of art where there is heavy foot traffic. Your hard work should be rewarded with the attention and smiles of others.

Tips & Warnings

• Make several pumpkins with the "Batman" theme. Placing them all in a row on your front porch will make a lot of people smile all season, for as long as you display your superhero art.

• Don't sell a pumpkin for profit if it is carved with an image that is protected under copyright. Although this would be quite a complicated case to pursue, you never want to steal someone else's art for profit.