Carve Halloween pumpkins: 9 templates for pumpkin faces and autumn motifs

Whether pumpkin faces or autumnal motifs: pumpkin carving is simply part of the preparations for Halloween. With the next 9 free templates, fun carving Halloween pumpkins is guaranteed!

Carve Halloween pumpkins according to templates: Quick and easy

Pumpkin season begins for my family in mid-September. Whether a door wreath with decorative pumpkins or a hearty pumpkin soup: the fruit vegetables are a welcome, versatile guest with us. We also like to carve pumpkins and turn them intoLantern for Halloween.

To ensure that the pumpkins last a long time and that carving is quick and uncomplicated, I have a few tricks ready:

  • I always wash the pumpkin first with liquid soap and dry it with a cloth - this will kill the bacteria on the surface and the lantern will stay fresher longer.
  • I then cut the top out of the pumpkin with a sharp carving knife, holding the knife at an angle. I then take an ice cream spoon and hollow it out. I try to completely remove the pumpkin flesh including the seeds, otherwise it attracts insects.
  • I then carefully wipe the pumpkin and put it in the cold overnight.
  • The carving can start the next day. For this purpose I use a potter's knife - so I can work more precisely than with a cutter knife.

Frankenstein monster template

His story was published more than 200 years ago and Mary Shelley's book has been a true classic ever since. We remember it especially at Halloween and my son often wishes for a Frankenstein lantern. Luckily, the face can be carved without much effort. You need the following materials and accessories:

  • Hokkaido pumpkin (medium size)
  • Pottery knife or cutter knife
  • Pin for pin board or pin
  • LED candle(s)
  • Tesa tape
  • Template

I proceed as follows when carving:

1. I choose a simple template that I adjust to the size of the pumpkin and reduce or enlarge it accordingly.

2. I print them out, then take scotch tape and stick them to the pumpkin.

3. I take a pin or pin for pin board and then pierce the motif.

4. Then you can start carving.

Easy pumpkin face to carve with the kids

Children can also carve uncomplicated motifs together with their parents. The next pumpkin face consists only of eyes and mouth. For optimal effect, choose a Jack O'Lantern pumpkin. As the name suggests, it is a carving pumpkin that has a green to orange color depending on the degree of ripeness. By the way, there are special carving sets for children. Although they are intended for wood carving, they are great for pumpkin carving.

How to carve the pumpkin:

1. You print out the template and cut out the mouth and eyes. You then transfer the template to the pumpkin.

2. They carve the pumpkin and the children paint on the eyes.

Carve and paint Halloween pumpkins

It doesn't necessarily have to be a pumpkin face - other motifs can also decorate the lantern. The next craft idea combines carving and painting pumpkins. The end result is cool lanterns that can welcome your guests at the entrance to the house.

Simply print out the templates, cut them out and transfer them to pumpkin. Carve the windows, paint the houses black with acrylic paint. Complete!

Make cute pumpkin lanterns and decorate them creatively

For the next idea, in addition to a pumpkin, you will also need plastic rats or mice. Luckily, there are plenty of mouse decorations sold for Halloween. I have small children and therefore always choose a non-scary option. I then carve a pumpkin face at home, make a few additional holes and arrange the mouse figures.

Creating a pumpkin face is not difficult at all. To make the Jack O'Lantern look scary, carve triangles for eyes. However, if he seems friendly and sweet, then opt for round eyes. A crescent-shaped mouth, a small nose and carved eyebrows - and the pumpkin face is ready!

Carve bee motifs

Surprise the children and family with an autumnal motif. Autumn leaves, sunflowers and other natural treasures are quite complicated to carve. Personally, I prefer simple designs that don't take up too much time. Ultimately, designing a lantern should be fun. However, if it takes longer than an hour, my children quickly lose interest and I have to carve the pumpkin alone.

Carving a bee is not difficult and the end result is fascinating. It looks best if you use a small Hokkaido pumpkin or a medium-sized spaghetti squash (weight approx. 1 kg). Reduce the size of the template, print it out and attach it to the pumpkin with Scotch tape. Then repeat the contours and remove the template. Now you can start carving.

img class=”size-full wp-image-910500 aligncenter” src=”https://avokadolab.com/en/lifestyle/roux/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/7b-honey-motives-on-lantern-with-free -vorlage.jpeg” alt=”7b honey motifs on lantern with free template” width=”750″ height=”674″ />

Other simple templates for carving

A cute vampire, a cute ghost or the classic Jack O'Lantern with teeth and evil eyes: there are numerous motifs that can be carved.

Be inspired by the suggestions in the article, try out different templates and make several lanterns for the entrance to the house, the balcony or the garden table.