Pipsqueak the Round-Eyed Bat

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Pick a round pumpkin and clean it out

   Choose a smooth, round pumpkin so the bat's chubby shape has room to sit centered on the front. Cut a lid from the bottom or the back rather than the top, which keeps the stem intact and makes the pumpkin easier to set over a light later. Scoop out the seeds and pulp, then thin the front carving wall to about one inch with a scraper. A thinner wall makes the cuts cleaner and lets more light through the wings.

2. 2

   Transfer the bat design

   Print your stencil sized to fill the front face, then tape it flat and poke transfer dots along every line with a pin or awl. Pay special attention to the two big round eyes, the small pointed ears, the open mouth, and the scalloped edges of both wings. Mark which areas stay dark, the pupils and the little feet, so you do not cut them by mistake. Peel the paper and connect the dots lightly with a pencil if the pattern is faint.

3. 3

   Cut the round eyes first

   Start with the two circular eye openings while the surface around them is still fully supported. Use a small carving saw and go slowly, rotating the pumpkin so your blade stays comfortable. Leave the pupil dots as untouched rind by cutting the ring of white around each one, or simply cut the whole circle and let the round shape glow. Cutting these small features first prevents the face from flexing once the larger wing panels are gone.

4. 4

   Open the mouth and body center

   Cut the small open mouth and the central body glow next, keeping the little fangs as narrow attached bridges of rind if your design includes them. Keep these openings modest so the bat still looks plump and cute rather than hollowed out. Support the wall with your free hand as you finish each cut. Push the cut pieces gently inward and out to avoid tearing the edges.

5. 5

   Remove the wing panels last

   Save the two large scalloped wing sections for the end since they take away the most material. Work one scallop at a time along the bottom edge of each wing, leaving the thin ribs between panels intact so the wings hold their shape. Keep the pointed ears and stubby clawed feet as solid dark rind for contrast. Take your time here, as these are the biggest openings and the surrounding surface is now more delicate.

6. 6

   Light it low and take your photo

   Set a battery LED light or a short string of LEDs inside, never a candle, since the wide openings and thin walls need a cool, steady source. Place the pumpkin at ground level so the light washes upward through the wing panels and creates that soft amber gradient. Trim any rough edges with a paring knife and blot the inside dry. Shoot your photo at dusk when the surrounding light is dim and the glow reads warm.

Written with AI to match this design