Halloween Pumpkin Carving 101

Pumpkin Creatures: Owls

The owls' extra-large eyes are made from halved miniature pumpkins and gourds. Their feet and ears are curved pieces of pumpkin.

Tools and Materials
Pen Drill with 5/8-inch bit or large hole cutter String lights Toothpicks Rubber bands Tall glass Electrical tape Wood gouge or linoleum cutter Serrated knife

Pumpkin Owls How-To
These instructions can be adapted to create the facial details of other animals.

1. Cut a large hole out of the top of a pumpkin, scoop out insides, and keep top to plug hole later; cut a 1- to 1 1/4-inch hole in the back for ventilation. Make eye holes: First mark with a pen, then drill (with a 5/8-inch bit) or cut with a large hole cutter. Next, in the tops of two mini pumpkins, cut holes slightly larger than eye holes; scoop out insides. Drill a small hole in the bottom of each mini pumpkin. From inside larger pumpkin, push four lights through each eye hole, securing the bottom of the bundle with a rubber band to keep the bulbs from touching one another. Attach mini pumpkins over lights using toothpicks. Wrap more lights around a glass, securing wires with tape, and place inside body.

2. Add "feathers": Use a wood gouge or linoleum cutter to make half circles in the skin.











3. Cut ear, nose, and feet shapes from other pumpkins with a serrated knife; attach with toothpicks.











First Published: October 2003