How to Carve a Squirrel in a Pumpkin

Squirrels and pumpkins are a natural match.

If you are looking for a twist on the traditional jack-o'-lantern, carving woodland animals into a set of pumpkins can give your front porch or table an autumn look for Halloween. Carving a squirrel into a pumpkin is not difficult as long as you have a suitable outline and the proper tools, and it makes the perfect jack-o'-lantern choice for any fan of Rocky the Flying Squirrel, member of Alpha Gamma Delta or lover of the common tree squirrel.

Things You'll Need

• Pumpkin
• Assorted knives, including a boning knife, paring knife or other small knife
• Spoon
• Printed outline of a squirrel
• Masking tape
• Thumbtacks
• Flour
• Miniature handheld saw
• Votive candle

Instructions

1. Carve into the top of the pumpkin using the boning knife. Cut a circle of pumpkin off the top holding the knife at an angle so the circle, when removed, can be replaced without falling inward. Remove the top of the pumpkin and set aside.

2. Empty the seeds from the pumpkin. Use your spoons to scrape out all the seeds and any excess pumpkin flesh along the side of the pumpkin you intend to carve.

3. Tape the outline image of the squirrel to the side of the pumpkin. Tape it near the top of the pumpkin so that the candle, when placed inside the pumpkin, is below the carving.

4. Poke small holes along the outline of the squirrel into the pumpkin using thumbtacks. Poke enough holes so that the outline is clearly visible when you remove the paper. You do not need to poke all the way through the pumpkin.

5. Remove the paper, masking tape and thumbtacks. Make sure you can see the pattern clearly; if not, sprinkle flour over the pumpkin. The flour will stick in the thumbtack holes, making the outline easier to see.

6. Saw out the outlined squirrel, using your small saw to remove the smallest parts of the outline first. Continue until the entire squirrel outline has been carved out.

7. Place a candle in the center of the pumpkin, light the candle and place the top back on. Enjoy your creation.

References

• Washington State University Clark County Extension: Garden Mastery Tips, October 2005, Pumpkin Carving
• Alpha Gamma Delta: Quick Facts

Resources

• ABC Teach: Squirrel Coloring Page
• Projects for Preschoolers: Squirrel Coloring Page