How to Make Pumpkin Owls

Directions

1. To create the eyes, start by cutting a large opening in the top of the big pumpkin and removing the insides; save the top to use as a plug later. Cut a ventilation hole about 1 to 1¼ inches wide in the back. Mark where you want the eyes with a pen, then drill 5/8-inch holes or use a large hole cutter. For each mini pumpkin, cut a hole in its top slightly bigger than the eye hole, scoop out the insides, and drill a small hole in the bottom. From inside the large pumpkin, push four string lights through each eye hole, bundling the wires together with a rubber band to keep bulbs apart. Use toothpicks to attach the mini pumpkins over the lights. Wrap additional lights around a tall glass, securing the wires with electrical tape, and place this setup inside the pumpkin body.
2. To add feathery texture, use a wood gouge or linoleum cutter to carve half-circle shapes into the pumpkin's skin, mimicking small feathers.
3. For the beak, ears, and feet, cut appropriate shapes from other small pumpkins or gourds using a serrated knife. Attach these pieces to the main pumpkin with toothpicks.