Stencil Pumpkins

Glowing orange suns, luminous moons, sparkling stars and pretty polka dots – carve some or all of these shapes onto your jack-o'-lantern this year. It's easy to achieve a unique look by using stencils you can get from a crafts store or an art-supply store. Since you're using art stencils to create the whimsical designs, you can place a random assortment of designs or follow a pattern of shapes on your pumpkins. For more impressive results, try using an unusually colored pumpkin, such as a white "Lumina".

To prevent the stencil from shifting as you're tracing the shape onto the pumpkin, tape the stencil to the pumpkin using a low-tack masking tape. Also, to avoid discrepancies in the tracing process, select pumpkins with smooth, unblemished skins. You can also use objects found in nature, such as fall leaves, as your stencil for the designs on your pumpkins. For best results, choose objects that are fairly flat so that you can easily transfer their outlines onto the pumpkins for carving. Use a washable marker or other similar soft-tipped writing utensil. To remove any stray lines from the outside of the pumpkin, use a slightly damp cloth and gently rub away any stray lines.

To light up your walkway for trick-or-treaters, consider carving a dozen or more stencil pumpkins and placing them along your walk as lanterns to guide everyone safely to your front door. Just place a string of outdoor-rated Christmas lights (the larger bulbs cast more light than the smaller types) along the desired path, place your carved creations over the lights, illuminate and watch the magic occur. These stencil pumpkins can also be used as decorations indoors. Simply place the carved pumpkins over a battery-operated touch light to illuminate them.

1. Cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, and remove the seeds and flesh. Thin the interior of the pumpkin to about 1/4-inch thick. Place desired stencil directly on the skin and trace the outline of the stencil with a marking pen. Use a carving saw to cut out the outlines. If any stray pen marks remain, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently wipe away the marks.
2. Line your walkway or driveway with a string of outdoor Christmas lights plugged into an outside electrical outlet or sturdy extension cord, and place a pumpkin over each lightbulb.
3. Hide the electrical cords with mulch or fallen leaves (make sure the lightbulbs are not placed directly on the mulch or leaves).

Stencil Pumpkins

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