Indiana State Map

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Prep the pumpkin and cut a lid

   Pick a tall pumpkin with a wide, fairly flat front face so the outline reads clearly. Cut a lid from the top at an angle so it rests without falling in, then scoop the insides. Thin the front wall to about one inch with a scraper or a large spoon. A thinner wall makes the cutout easier to saw and lets more light through.

2. 2

   Transfer the outline

   Print or draw the Indiana shape sized to fill most of the front face, centered and upright. Tape the pattern down and poke closely spaced dots along every edge with a poking tool or a pushpin. Pay extra attention to the small angled notch at the lower right and the wavy southern border. Remove the paper and connect the dots lightly with a marker so you have a clear line to follow.

3. 3

   Saw the three straight sides

   Start with the left, right, and top edges since they are nearly straight and forgiving. Use a small serrated carving saw and let it do the work with gentle back and forth strokes, keeping the blade straight into the pumpkin. Go slow at the corners so they stay crisp. Do not push out the piece yet, leave it in place for support.

4. 4

   Carve the irregular southern border

   Switch to short, controlled strokes for the bottom edge where the river bends give it a soft wavy line. Follow your marked curves a little at a time rather than trying to cut a long sweep. Add the small angled notch at the lower right corner where the southeastern jog sits. Take your time here since this detail is what makes the shape read as Indiana.

5. 5

   Push out the piece and clean up

   Once all edges are cut, gently press the outline piece inward or out until it releases. Trim any ragged spots and bevel the inside edge of the cutout at a slight angle so more light escapes. Wipe the cut edges clean. Rub a little petroleum jelly on the exposed edges to slow drying.

6. 6

   Light it and photograph

   Set a battery LED light or a short string of LEDs inside, never a candle. Place the pumpkin outdoors on a raised surface like a log or step at dusk for the warmest glow. The single open shape will read as a bright silhouette from several feet away. Snap your photo while there is still a hint of color in the sky behind it.

Written with AI to match this design