Hard Anger Pumpkin With Rectangular Head on Natural Rind

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Transfer and map structural bridges

   Scoop to 3/4 inch and dry the exterior. Transfer the full stencil by pin wheel. Mark the base contacts, side contacts, and upper flame-to-frame joins in a different color to identify all five structural bridges before you begin cutting.

2. 2

   Plan the arch and flame pass

   The arch and upper flame joins are carved in one continuous circuit around the retained head. Sketch the path that saw follows so you can maintain consistent progress without backtracking over sensitive structural zones. Adults handle all sawing throughout.

3. 3

   Cut the arch and flame joins

   Open the arch perimeter and the gaps between the flame shapes and the frame in one careful, steady pass. Move slowly near each flame join and the shoulder contacts. The head should still be attached at all five points when this step is complete.

4. 4

   Cut the eye apertures

   With the arch open and the retained head supported, cut both eye apertures. Leave each pupil tab attached at the upper lid edge with at least 3/8 inch tab width. Use a narrow blade for the pupil bar sides.

5. 5

   Cut rectangular mouth divisions and add collar detail

   Open the mouth shape, leaving the rectangular interior divisions as supported rind strips. These strips mimic the character's clenched-teeth expression and must each stay connected to at least one jaw edge. Score the collar detail shapes with a linoleum cutter rather than cutting fully through.

6. 6

   Light and inspect

   Place an LED inside and inspect all five structural bridges from outside. Check the flame join points especially; they carry load from both sides of the flame shape. If any point looks thin, support it with a wooden toothpick inserted from the inside across the joint.

Written with AI to match this design