22 Halloween Pumpkin Ideas - Cute and Scary Pumpkin Patterns
Popularity of Halloween is growing across the world. Everyone knows the famous "Trick or treat!" phrase... but that's not the only symbol of Halloween. The Halloween pumpkin is yet another important element - without it, this special day is not the same. Here comes the dilemma - how to decorate a Halloween pumpkin to impress everyone? Check the most popular Halloween pumpkin ideas and patterns. Learn how to carve a pumpkin.
What is Halloween, and when is it celebrated?
The full name of Halloween is All-Hallow’s-Eve. It was popularized in many countries across the world under the influence of the United States. As the name suggests, it is celebrated on the eve of the Christian All Hallow’s Day, on 31 October.
Halloween holds many traditions, including children dressing up as ghosts, witches and other scary characters. They stand at their neighbours doors and say the words “Trick or treat.” They usually receive sweets in return.
However, the event is not only about sweets. It’s also about Halloween decorations. Halloween pumpkin is an essential element that decorates private houses, gardens and public spaces.
Wonderful pumpkin - Halloween wouldn’t be the same without it
A Halloween pumpkin is an essential element on 31 October. Apart from just buying it, one must also decorate it. That’s why new, exciting pumpkin designs can be admired each year, and everybody wants to show off the most thrilling creations. Schools often organize various contests.
When choosing a pumpkin, check if it is fresh. It should be hard - just tap the skin, and you should know whether it is a suitable pumpkin for carving. Why is it so important? Halloween pumpkins are usually bought a few days before the celebration. After carving a pattern, fresh pumpkins can hold about a week, sometimes even two. If you buy a poor quality pumpkin, the decoration might not look that good after a few days.
How to carve a Halloween pumpkin? Pumpkin carving tips
Are you wondering how to carve a Halloween pumpkin to leave only the shell? It’s very easy, although there are two methods - choose the one you find the most convenient.
The easiest way involves cutting the upper part off and making it into a lid. This way you get an opening which you can use to remove the pulp. You can do it with your hand - but consider using a rubber glove, as pumpkin might colour your skin. Sometimes it is not quite possible to take all the pulp out with just your hand. Instead, use a standard tablespoon and carve the rest of the flesh out.
Another method involves cutting a hole in the side of your Halloween pumpkin. It is recommended, especially if you are going to make a lantern. Remove the pulp and seeds just as described above.
If you have removed everything from the inside, you can move on to the best part: decorating your Halloween pumpkin.
Halloween pumpkin ideas - popular pumpkin carving templates
A Halloween pumpkin should resemble an evil spirit, therefore most of the scary pumpkin carving patterns look similar. A simple smile with teeth and triangular eyes are all you need to get a good result. Many people, however, prefer more creative pumpkin stencils. Find some inspirations and pumpkin designs below. Thanks to them, Halloween will never be boring!
Halloween pumpkin - tools you need
Before starting carving your Halloween pumpkin, prepare all the tools you might need. First, you need a sharp knife, as well as:
- a box cutter or a scalpel for more complicated carvings and patterns,
- markers in various colours,
- spray paint,
- various strings,
- ribbons,
- crêpe paper.
Halloween pumpkin designs - scary pumpkins for the youngest ones
If Halloween pumpkins are going to be decorated by children, avoid using sharp tools. Instead, choose painted pumpkin designs - they are as interesting as carved Jack-o’-lanterns. Find ideas for pumpkin patterns without carving below.
Are you looking for other autumn decorations? We have prepared simple solutions for you, that will transform your home. You can also check how to make Christmas ornaments and how to decorate Christmas table. Create a perfect atmosphere in your house.
📍 How to decorate a Halloween pumpkin?
You can prepare your Halloween pumpkin decoration in two ways: by carving it or painting over its surface. For the first method, you need sharp tools: a knife or a scalpel. Some candles will also be useful for making a Jack-o'-lantern. If you want to paint your Halloween pumpkin, you just need markers, paint and brushes.
📍 Is it difficult to make a Halloween pumpkin?
Designing a Halloween pumpkin is not too difficult, although a lot depends on what you're planning to achieve. Painting a pumpkin in an interesting way is the easiest solution, even a small child can do it. Carving a jack o'lantern is popular as well - but an adult's supervision is required in this case. After scooping out the insides of the pumpkin and carving some shapes, just put a candle or an electrical lamp inside.
📍 How to carve a pumpkin for Halloween?
To carve a pumpkin, use a sharp but not too large knife or a scalped. Be careful when using either of the tools. The best method involves drawing the desired shape on the pumpkin, and then tracing the lines with a knife. This way, you can carve out the unnecessary parts of the pumpkin.
📍 Is a jack o'lantern a good home decoration?
A jack o'lantern is so universal that you can use it either inside or outside. If you put it outside, it will look really impressive at night. Remember, if you put a classic candle in it and place it inside, you have to check on the flame from time to time. For this reason, many people use electric candles or battery-powered lamps.
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