A Jack-O’-Lantern is one of the most iconic elements of Halloween, and now is the time to get started on carving your Jack-O’-Lantern for the holidays. Although you could go with a basic toothy smile, why not do something a little different this year?
Many online designs are complicated, or at least seem that way. We found some intricate looking pumpkin patterns that are actually really easy to execute. With any of these simple designs, you’ll surely have the best Jack-O’-Lantern on the block!
5.) Spiderweb Pumpkin
This Jack-O’-Lantern looks pretty intricate, but it’s easy to make if you follow these instructions.
- Print out the 8-inch or 10-inch spider web pattern, depending on the size of your pumpkin.
- Place the spider web print out over a foil doily and cut along the lines with a craft knife. (Make sure the pattern lays flat on your pumpkin. If it does not lie perfectly flat, then cut around the edges.)
- Use Modge Podge glue to attach the pattern to your pumpkin.
- Attach a plastic spider to the pumpkin with a glue dot or two.
Visit Women’s Day for a complete tutorial on this design.
4.) Spooky Bat Tree
This Jack-O’-Lantern features a scary scene. A scary tree stands with bare branches and a colony of bats flying around it. Here’s how to make it:
- Print out this stencil and affix it to your pumpkin.
- Carve out the darker parts with a sculpting tool.
- For an elegant effect, use these flameless battery-operated Jack-O’ Lantern lights for your pumpkin. They feature a remote control, so you can turn them on-and-off easily. You can also program them to come on and off at specific times using the convenient timer.
For step-by-step instructions, check out Celebrating Halloween.
3.) Twinkling Dots Jack-O’-Lantern
The twinkling dots Jack-O’-Lantern looks elaborate, but it is very easy to carve if you follow these steps:
- You can either freehand sketch any dotted pattern you wish or use this template.
- Make sure that you leave enough room between the dots so that the holes do not overlap one another.
- Use a power drill and various sized bits to punch out the design.
- An intricate pattern like this will shine brighter if you use LED string lights inside.
Find the complete tutorial for this Jack O’ Lantern at Country Living.
2.) Spooky Skeleton Hands
Trick or Treaters will think that the walking dead are waking up in your lawn when they stumble upon these spooky skeleton Jack-O’-Lanterns. You will need two pumpkins for these Jack O’ Lanterns. Choose a taller one for the base and a smaller one to go on top, and then follow these easy instructions:
- Cut out these skeletal arm and hand templates.
- Tape the arm to the bottom pumpkin and the hand to the top.
- Trace the design on the pumpkins with a felt-tip pen.
- Remove the stencils and then carve along the lines with an X-ACTO knife.
- Place a battery-operated tealight candle in each pumpkin.
For a complete tutorial on cutting this design, check out this article.
1.) Mason Jar Fireflies
This Jack-O’-Lantern design pays tribute to the magic of summer, and is so simple to carve!
- Cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin.
- Scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Tape transfer paper onto the surface of the pumpkin.
- Print out this Mason Jar design.
- Trace the design using a pencil.
- Remove the transfer paper and then use an X-ACTO knife to carve the sketch onto the pumpkin.
- Use a linoleum cutter to shave the area around the jar.
- Cut several small holes with a clay hole cutter.
- Illuminate your Jack-O’-Lantern with small battery operated tea lights.
Visit this site for the complete tutorial and to see the finished design.
