Cannabis Leaf Inside a Heart Pumpkin

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Transfer both shapes together

   Print or draw a broad heart with a detailed cannabis leaf centered inside it, then tape the pattern flat against the smoothest face of the pumpkin. Poke the outline of both the heart and every leaf edge with a pushpin or transfer tool, spacing dots close together on the fine leaf tips. Peel the paper and connect the dots lightly with a washable marker. Double check that each leaf point still touches or nearly touches the heart edge, since those contact spots become your bridges.

2. 2

   Open the lid and clean the wall

   Cut a lid from the top around the stem at an angle so it drops back in place, or cut a hatch in the back if you prefer to hide it. Scoop out the seeds and pulp, then scrape the inside of the carving face down to about one inch thick. A thinner wall lets more light through and makes the fine leaf edges easier to control. Work over newspaper and let an adult handle all the blades.

3. 3

   Score the leaf outline first

   Before removing anything, trace the leaf outline about an eighth inch deep with a fine detail saw or craft knife. This locks in the shape so your later cuts do not wander into the leaf. Take your time on the serrated leaf edges and keep the blade straight up and down. Do not cut all the way through anywhere yet.

4. 4

   Cut the heart open around the leaf

   Now saw fully through the pumpkin along the heart outline, working in short strokes and turning the pumpkin instead of forcing the blade. As you reach each spot where a leaf point meets the heart edge, stop and leave at least a quarter inch of solid wall as a bridge so the tips stay anchored. Remove the heart-shaped waste in a few small pieces rather than one big chunk, easing it out gently so you do not snap a leaf point. The leaf should remain as a raised island of skin surrounded by open cutout.

5. 5

   Clean up and peel for depth

   Trim any ragged edges on the heart opening and smooth the leaf border with your knife tip. If you want the leaf to glow faintly instead of reading as pure black, lightly skin-peel just its surface with a shallow gouge. For a strong shadow effect, leave the leaf skin fully intact and dark. Wipe the cut edges and rub a little petroleum jelly on them to slow drying.

6. 6

   Light it and photograph

   Set a battery LED puck or string inside, never a candle, and aim it toward the carved face. Test in a dark room and reposition the light until the heart glows evenly and the leaf stands out as a clean silhouette. Prop the leaf-facing side slightly downward if you need to spread the light. Snap your photo at dusk with the surrounding lights low for the best contrast.