Detailed Witch Face Pumpkin With Hatband and Barred Eyes

Prep and wall thickness

This design demands walls of at least an inch and a quarter because so many elements are retained. Hollow carefully and measure wall thickness with a skewer in several places before starting any cuts. Transfer the full template and perforate every element outline.

Carve the hat crown windows

Start with the open areas above and below the hatband, treating the hatband as the central spine. Cut the crown window above the band first, confirm the band connection points are firm at both sides, then open the lower hat window. Never cut into the band itself.

Cut the barred eyes

Each eye has a broad horizontal bar connecting the top and bottom brow. Remove the eye material from both sides of the bar, cutting in small passes and checking frequently that the bar remains at full width. Both bars must stay thick enough to support the weight of the rind above them.

Carve the hooked nose

The nose detail is shallow-carved rather than fully cut through: remove the surface skin and most of the flesh from the nose area, leaving a thin backed layer so it catches light without becoming a free-standing element. A loop or spoon carving tool works better than a saw here.

Add the chunky teeth

Cut the mouth opening with the teeth rooted at their tops to the upper gum line. Keep each tooth at least twice as wide as it is tall. Remove the gap material between teeth carefully, using a narrow blade.

Cut the hatband last

With all other elements confirmed solid, cut the hatband, working one side at a time. Confirm both ends attach firmly to the outer shell before removing any material between the band and the hat crown above or the face below. Light inside and display on the hearth.