Craft Your Perfect Jack-O'-Lantern

Unleash Your Creativity This Autumn

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to turn, there’s no better time to embrace the magic of autumn. If you’re planning to carve a pumpkin this season, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect Jack-O’-Lantern.

Whether you’re trying it for the first time or looking to sharpen your carving skills, it’s a great way to get creative and enjoy the crisp October air. And don’t forget to share your glowing creations with us by tagging us @Perth & Kinross DofE Association SCIO.

Step-by-Step Guide

Essential Tools for Pumpkin Carving

What You'll Need

A fresh pumpkin (medium to large size)
Pumpkin carving kit or serrated knife
Large spoon or scoop
Dry-erase marker or pencil
Printed stencil (optional)
Tea light or LED candle
Bowl for seeds and pulp
Newspaper or tray to catch mess

Instructions

1. Prep Your Workspace

Lay down newspaper or a tray to catch pumpkin guts and keep things tidy.

2. Cut the Lid

Use a serrated knife to cut a circle around the stem at a 45° inward angle—this keeps the lid from falling inside.

Watch How To Carve A Pumpkin Into A Jack O Lantern ( You Didn’t …) for a quick visual on how to make a clean, secure lid cut.

3. Scoop Out the Guts

Use a large spoon or scoop to remove seeds and stringy pulp. Scrape the inner walls until smooth.

4. Sketch Your Design

Draw your spooky face or pattern using a dry-erase marker. You can also tape a stencil to the pumpkin and trace it.

For creative inspiration and technique variety, check out How to Carve Pumpkins Step By Step: Six Levels of …—it walks through beginner to advanced designs.

5. Carve the Face

Use small carving tools to carefully cut out your design. Start with the eyes, then nose, and finish with the mouth.

How to make a Jack O’Lantern – A detailed step by step How … offers a thorough breakdown of carving each facial feature with precision.

6. Add Personality

Get creative! Add accessories like fake teeth, paint, or props.

7. Light It Up

Place a tea light or LED candle inside. Put the lid back on and admire your eerie glow.

8. Display Safely

Set your Jack-O’-Lantern on a porch, window, or garden ledge—away from flammable materials.

Share Your Creations and Get Inspired

We’d love to see your Jack-O’-Lantern masterpieces! Share your photos with us!

Looking for more ways to get creative this autumn? Sign up for our Creative Crafts module on the Distance Learning Hub—packed with fun activities and perfect for your DofE skills section.

Creative Crafts Module

🎃 How to Carve the Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern