Things You'll Need:
- Internet Access
- Computer
- Printer
- Printer Paper
- Pumpkin
- Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit
- Pins
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Tape
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Step 1
Decide how complex you'd like to make your Halloween pumpkin carving. For beginners, it's best to start with a simple pumpkin carving pattern, while more experienced Jack-o-lantern carvers may opt for a more complex pumpkin carving stencil. A scary pumpkin carving pattern that is cut all the way through the pumpkin is going to be simple, while a more advanced, complex pumpkin carving pattern will require different cut depths, creating the appearance of shading when you light the Jack-o-lantern.
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Step 2
Browse free printable pumpkin carving stencils online (see resources) and select a scary pumpkin carving pattern that matches the complexity that you've opted for.
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Step 3
Print two copies of the free printable pumpkin carving pattern that will be used to carve the scary Halloween Jack-o-lantern.
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Step 4
Cut off the excess paper surrounding the printed pumpkin carving stencil, but leave a one-inch border around the edge of the scary Jack-o-lantern pattern.
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Step 5
Tape the scary pumpkin carving stencil onto the pumpkin and use a pin to make a line of pin pricks along all of the lines in the image of the Jack-o-lantern stencil; this will provide a guide for where to carve the pumpkin.
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Step 6
Lift the pumpkin carving pattern like a flap (though keep it taped to the pumpkin at at least one point to ensure proper alignment) and check the pin prick lines to ensure that they are clear. If not, place the Jack-o-lantern carving pattern back down against the pumpkin skin and go over the area that lacks clarity by adding to the line of pin pricks.
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Step 7
Remove the pumpkin carving stencil and place it aside. The other copy of the printable pumpkin carving stencil will serve as a guide for the carving.
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Step 8
Cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin around the stem and remove the pumpkin seeds and innards the pumpkin.
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Step 9
Carve the scary pumpkin design using the pin prick lines as a guide and use the print-out of the scary Jack-o-lantern pattern as a reference.
