2006 Halloween's Jack-O-Lantern, Its X-men's Nightcrawler!
In the past I usually draw a picture on a pumpkin using a permanent marker and cut, but this year I created a pattern. I've never used the patterns from the stores, so I'm not sure how the "professional" Pumpkin carvers go about their craft. Here's how I made mine:
1. Find a pumpkin. The one I used was of medium size. Cost me $3.50, which was expensive in my opinion, however I did hear some where that there was a pumpkin shortage. Must be why there was a raise in prices.
2. In a covered area (old news print is great!) Cut out the top and scoop out it's guts insides. (I find a large knife and
scoopy plastic spoon work best). I even saved a hand full of seeds to grow my
own next year!
3. I then drew our favorite blue elf on paper, outlining it in black sharpie pen. After cutting out the pieces I taped them (with masking tape) on to the pumpkin. You may need to rearrange the pattern pieces as needed.
4.Using an Exact-o-knife I outlined all of the shapes through the paper. This gave just enough of an impression on the skin of the pumpkin to use as reference for cutting. Its pretty much a tricky version of tracing or connect the dots. (and you end up with a lot of paper scraps when you're done).
5. I found it easier to do one piece at a time, so I'd trace the eye (for example) remove the pattern, and then using a small very sharp knife carved out the eye following the exact-o-knife line. I think if I were to outline everything , then remove the patterns, it'd be harder to find what was what.
6. While Carving, I altered the tail a bit, only cutting out half of it, and making a thick slice along the one side, to create the shadow effect.
7. To create a furry look I "fringed" the edges of the cut, making small little slices into the pumpkin. It really made for a great look. I also added extra strands of hair by just making single slices with out removing any pumpkin chunks, rather than cutting out thicker slices of pumpkin. I never realized it would actually be effective.
8. And Now we have our Nightcrawler Pumpkin! YEAY! For the photos I used a tea light candle, but on Halloween we put a larger jar candle inside. Be careful, don't burn down the house and don't cut your self. If you are young, make sure you have an adult help you out or use one of those kid-safe pumpkin carving kits.
Nightcrawler Pumpkin Patterns:
Save, Print, and have fun!