Jack-O-Lanterns
Real pumpkins rot. Foam pumpkins last forever. If you want jack-o-lanterns that look great year after year without the mess, carve them from craft foam pumpkins or build them from scratch. The carving process is similar to real pumpkins but more forgiving — foam doesn't have weak spots or seeds to deal with.
Foam Pumpkin Carving
Craft foam pumpkins are available at stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or online. They come in various sizes and are specifically designed for carving. The denser "carvable" versions work much better than the cheap decorative ones.
Tools
- Small serrated knife or pumpkin carving saw
- Dremel rotary tool for detail work
- Hot knife or soldering iron for clean cuts (see foam carving)
- Battery-operated LED candle or string lights for interior
Process
- Draw your design on the pumpkin with a marker (or print a stencil and pin it on)
- Cut through areas with the serrated knife or hot knife
- For a 3D effect, carve partway through the wall so light glows through the thinner areas
- Clean up edges with a Dremel or craft knife
- Place an LED candle inside — never use real candles in foam
Building From Scratch
For large or unusual jack-o-lanterns, build a round form from chicken wire, cover with paper mache, and paint orange. Cut the face after the shell hardens. This lets you make pumpkins in any size — three-foot jack-o-lanterns are a real showstopper.
Lighting Options
- Battery LED candles — simple and flickering (see flickering light guide)
- LED string lights inside for a bright, even glow
- Color-changing LEDs for cycling effects
- Fog machine output piped into the pumpkin mouth for a breathing effect (connect with dryer hose from your fog machine)