Expert Saja Boys Performance Arch Pumpkin

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Plan and mark the arch

   Draw the full arch outline on the pumpkin with a marker, sizing it so the arch crown sits about 2 cm below the stem and the arch legs run to about a third of the way up from the base. Mark each vertical frame post position and the five figure placements within the arch before any cutting begins.

2. 2

   Cut the arch opening

   Use a thin-blade saw to cut the open arch interior, removing the background rind inside the arch in sections. Do not cut the frame posts or the center hat contact point at the crown. The arch is the single largest cut, so completing it first establishes the main light source of the design.

3. 3

   Establish the shared coat base

   Trace and cut the connected base strip that roots all five coat silhouettes to the lower rind. This base runs as a single horizontal piece connecting each figure to the pumpkin shell. Cut its bottom edge cleanly to separate it from the lower rind, but leave its side ends well attached to the arch legs.

4. 4

   Shape the coat and hat silhouettes

   Working from the outside edges of the arch inward, define each coat and hat brim shape by cutting away the open space around them. Each hat brim must contact its vertical frame post cleanly. The center hat should also press lightly against the arch crown or be connected with a narrow bridge.

5. 5

   Cut the eye holes and lapel slits

   Add the small separate eye openings and narrow lapel slits within each figure last. Use a detail saw for the slits and keep them at least 4 mm wide so they do not crack. Do not add any cheek texture cuts unless the figure has at least 1 cm of surrounding rind to support them.

6. 6

   Insert light and view

   Place an LED puck inside and step back to assess the full design. The five dark silhouettes should stand out against the bright arch glow, resembling spotlit performers. If any connection point looks fragile, reinforce it from inside with a small wedge of toothpick and food-safe glue.

Written with AI to match this design