How to Carve a Fire Pumpkin

A fire motif kicks traditional pumpkins up a notch.

If you're tired of the traditional jack-o'-lantern face for your yearly Halloween pumpkin, consider creating a fire motif on the front of a pumpkin, playing off the flickering candle inside carved pumpkins. You can trace a simple fire shape onto a pumpkin and carve it out, then add detailing with red and yellow paint to go with the orange of the pumpkin. With this technique, you're sure to have a creative and unique pumpkin this Halloween. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Carving knife
• Red and yellow paint
• Paint brush
• Candle
• Match

Instructions

1. Trace a flame shape onto the flattest side of the pumpkin. Give the flame three points and a rounded bottom, with the tops of the flames curling like a wisp of smoke.

2. Chop off the top of the pumpkin and set it aside. Scoop out the innards of the pumpkin and discard.

3. Carve out the traced flame shape on the pumpkin using a sharp carving knife. Carve slowly around the edges of the tracing until you have negative space making up the flame.

4. Paint red and yellow streaks around the edges of the carving to add detail to the flame carving. Let dry.

5. Place a lit candle inside the pumpkin and replace the top before setting outside.

References

• Disney FamilyFun: Pumpkin Carving Tips