Classic Two-Tooth Jack-O-Lantern on Brick Front Steps

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Cut the angled lid

   Use a long serrated knife held at a 45-degree inward angle to cut the lid, so it rests back in place on a ledge rather than falling through. Remove the lid and set it aside. An adult should handle all knife work on this large pumpkin.

2. 2

   Hollow thoroughly

   Scoop out all seeds and stringy fiber with a large spoon or ice cream scoop. Scrape the interior walls to about 2 to 2.5 cm, paying particular attention to the face area so light distributes evenly.

3. 3

   Transfer the face template

   Print a face template sized to the pumpkin, tape it to the front with masking tape, and score through the paper with a toothpick or stylus to transfer all outlines. Remove the template and connect the poke marks with a permanent marker.

4. 4

   Saw the triangle eyes and nose

   Use a medium-toothed pumpkin saw for the straight edges of the triangles. Start at a corner, saw to the next corner, and complete each triangle with three strokes. Push the triangular plug inward and remove it through the lid opening.

5. 5

   Cut the smile and teeth

   Cut the outer perimeter of the smile first, leaving the two chunky tooth shapes intact as attached rind islands. Then cut the concave scallops between and around the teeth. The teeth must remain rooted to either the upper or lower smile edge; never free-float them.

6. 6

   Light and place on the porch

   Insert an LED pillar candle for safe use near a wooden door frame. Carve the same evening you plan to display it so the pumpkin stays fresh, and bring it inside at the end of the night to extend its life.

Written with AI to match this design