Pumpkins with Scary Etched Silhouettes

Directions

1. Use a keyhole saw to create an opening in the pumpkin's bottom.
2. Remove the seeds and pulp using a plaster scraper, fleshing tool, or a sturdy sharp spoon; if you like, scrape the walls thinner.
3. Select your templates, scale them up or down as needed, and attach them to the pumpkin with tape. With an awl, poke holes around the template's outline, then take off the template to expose the pattern.
4. With a narrow-blade linoleum cutter, take off the skin along the design's outline. Next, use a wide-blade cutter to scrape away the skin inside the design—the more skin you remove, the brighter the glow.
5. Carve the design using a miniature saw. For complex patterns with tight angles, work in small segments.
6. After carving, wind string lights around a glass jar, then place the jar inside the pumpkin. This method ensures the lights won't fail during your display.