Glowing Star and Dot Pumpkin Carving for Kindergarten

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Prep and gut the pumpkin

   Cut a lid at the back or bottom so it stays hidden during display. Scoop out all seeds and strings until the inner wall is about an inch thick throughout. A thicker wall holds the star's points without cracking. Dry the interior lightly with a paper towel.

2. 2

   Transfer the template

   Print a bold five-pointed star at a size that leaves at least one inch of rind on all four sides. Tape it to the pumpkin face and use a pin-poke tool or thin nail to trace the entire outline through the paper. Remove the template and connect the dots with a fine marker.

3. 3

   Cut the star

   Use a thin-bladed pumpkin saw and cut along the star outline, keeping the blade perpendicular to the rind. Saw slowly through each point so the tip doesn't chip. Push the piece gently inward to remove it, then clean any ragged edges with a small detail blade.

4. 4

   Add the dot holes

   Position three small circles in the open rind around the star. A round hole-saw drill attachment or a stiff circular cutter makes clean discs quickly. Alternatively, trace three coin-sized circles, pin-poke them, and saw carefully around each one. Remove each disc and smooth the edges.

5. 5

   Preserve and light

   Rub all cut edges with petroleum jelly to slow dehydration. Place a battery-powered LED candle inside so young children can handle the pumpkin safely. Set the pumpkin near a wall so the star and dots project their shapes onto the surface behind it.

Written with AI to match this design