This post is about pumpkin carving ideas.
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There is nothing that gets you more excited for Halloween than carving pumpkins! Whether you are carving pumpkins with the kids or adults, there are tons of pumpkin carving ideas!
We shared some easy options that anyone can do as well as some scary pumpkin carving ideas. There are also some more complicated designs that could be used for pumpkin carving competitions!
This post is about pumpkin carving ideas.
Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas
Classic Jack-O'-Lantern
A timeless favorite with triangle eyes and a jagged smile is always a good option! It's simple, recognizable, and easy to carve. This is great for kids or first-timers learning the basics of pumpkin carving.
Polka Dot Pumpkin
It doesn't get easier than this! Use a drill or apple corer to create dotted patterns all over the pumpkin. No drawing or skill is required for this one. This is ideal for those short on time or looking for a graphic and modern idea.
Moon & Stars Cut-Outs
These simple shapes are super easy to trace and look magical when lit from the inside. This is one of my favorite pumpkin carving ideas because of how cute it looks at night on your porch.
Initial or Monogram Pumpkin
Customize your pumpkin with a single letter for a personal and polished look! It's a great option for couples, newlyweds, or families wanting something sleek and minimal. This is a great option if you are short on time as well!
Ghost Silhouette
A soft floating ghost outline is cute and not creepy! This is a super simple pumpkin carving design. A ghost silhouette works great for households with younger kids or more lighthearted Halloween decor.
Smiley Face Pumpkin
A happy face adds cheer and whimsy without requiring artistic skills. It's sweet for front porch decor and friendly enough for classrooms. The kiddos will have fun creating this design!
Cat Face Outline
Easy triangle ears, almond eyes, and whiskers give a festive cat outline with no skill required! This is perfect for cat lovers and beginner carvers who are aiming for cute over creepy.
Spider Web Pattern
Stick to simple web lines without carving a spider, and you'll have a beautiful eerie design. It's a great way to get spooky without going full horror mode. The kids won't be creeped out by this one.
Pumpkin Carving Ideas For Contest
Intricate Haunted House
Carve windows, crooked rooftops, and a tiny ghost or a couple for a major wow-factor. It's time-consuming, but it will impress in contests and photo opportunities.
Pop Culture Character
Carving a trending TV or movie character will make your pumpkin instantly recognizable! This is perfect for Gen Z, pop culture lovers, or anyone that loves the movie/show! Wednesday Addams is a great option for this one.
Pumpkin Within a Pumpkin
This one is complicated, but it will absolutely impress! Carve a smaller jack-o'-lantern inside the shape of a larger one! This is clever and totally unique. All of the creative and talented ones will love completing this one!
Looking For More Halloween Ideas?
Pumpkin Village Stacked
A pumpkin village will take time, but this is by far one of my favorite pumpkin carving ideas for contest! You will stack 2-3 carved pumpkins like a house to form a mini pumpkin town. It's charming, whimsical, and a great group project!
Cinderella Carriage Pumpkin
We all know the iconic carriage pumpkin in Cinderella! This is perfect for the kids to get involved with while sticking with a happy story. Add wheels, scrolls, and even a mouse or two!
Vintage Truck with Pumpkins in the Back
This is another one of my favorite pumpkin carving ideas for contest because of how difficult and impressive it is! Carve out an old truck hauling pumpkins. This is a photo-ready and unique carving idea that nobody else will do!
Scary Pumpkin Carving Ideas
Clown Face
Exaggerated features and sharp teeth make this one scary! Perfect for those who are going for a full scare factor or haunted porch set up. You don't have to make this one too scary, but it's totally up to you!
Zombie Emerging from Pumpkin
Add a plastic hand reaching out to make it look like something is trying to escape the pumpkin. You could also carve fingers, but I love the idea of adding a plastic hand. This is a scary and unique option for your porch!
Stitched Mouth Pumpkin
Give your jack-o'-lantern a sewn shut mouth with carved slits and toothpicks or twine. This will make your patio extra spooky, and everyone will be so impressed with the design!
Ghoul with Flowing Eyes
Carve out deep eyes and thin outlines to let the flow take over. This is super eerie, but it's also minimal. I can't recommend this one enough if you want a spooky look with way less detail work.
Werewolf Howling at the Moon
Carve out silhouettes of trees and a moon first! You can add a howling wolf to create a scary and cinematic scene! This is perfect for all the outdoor lovers or classic Halloween movie fans. Some more detail will be required with this one, but it's worth it!
Headless Horseman
Carve a legendary rider and place a small pumpkin as the head nearby! You can make this one super spooky, and everyone will recognize it right away. This will be the perfect addition to your porch.
Bat Swarm Pumpkin
We have all seen a pumpkin carved with a large bat, but this idea is much better! You will carve dozens of tiny bats flying across a full moon silhouette. It's a dynamic and dramatic design. Everyone will be impressed by this one!
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