Grim Reaper Pumpkin with Broad Cloak and Shoulder Supports

Hollow and sketch the full silhouette

Cut a back-angled lid and scoop walls to a consistent inch. Draw the full reaper cloak outline on the pumpkin face, marking where the cloak base connects to the pumpkin on each side. The negative space on either side of the cloak and below it will all be removed.

Remove the negative space on each side of the figure

Cut the large open areas on either side of the cloak first, working slowly along the cloak's inner boundary. This is the most consequential cut; drifting into the cloak outline removes irrecoverable rind. Use a narrow blade and follow the sketched line precisely. Adults should manage these large cuts.

Remove the negative space below the cloak

Cut the open area below the cloak base, again staying precisely on the boundary line. Confirm after this cut that the cloak base still connects to the pumpkin on both sides. Those two connection zones are the only things holding the figure in place.

Add the facial apertures within the hood

Mark small eye and mouth shapes within the retained hood area of the cloak. Cut these as clean isolated apertures, staying well clear of the cloak's outer boundary. Each facial aperture adds a glowing point of detail inside the otherwise solid silhouette.

Add any cloak accent holes

If the design includes small accent holes within the cloak fabric, cut them as isolated apertures with substantial rind between each. These interior holes create the impression of a glowing figure beneath the cloak. Keep them sparse to preserve cloak integrity.

Seal and display outdoors at night

Coat all cut edges with petroleum jelly. Place a warm LED inside. At night the backlit cloak silhouette casts a dramatic reaper shadow on any wall or fence behind the pumpkin, projecting the design several feet beyond the pumpkin itself.