Tools & TechniquesNo. 2498 · The 2026 edition
Professional Pumpkin Carving
Transform a plain gourd into a glowing masterpiece with these simple carving techniques!
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at jonneill.com.
This guide walks you through the essential process of hollowing out a pumpkin, sketching a design, cutting it out, and lighting it up for a festive display.
You'll need
Directions
- Slice horizontally through the stem to remove the crown.
- Use a spoon or scraper to clear away all the fibrous strands and seeds from the interior.
- Sketch your chosen pattern directly onto the rind with a marker or pencil.
- Follow the drawn outlines carefully with your carving tool to cut through the skin.
- Set a lit candle or battery-operated light inside the hollowed gourd to illuminate the artwork.
More photos
Photos hosted by jonneill.com.
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