New Hampshire State Silhouette Pumpkin

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Pick and prep a tall pumpkin

   Choose a tall, gently ribbed pumpkin with a flat area on the front wide enough to hold the state's length. Cut a lid from the bottom or the back so the front face stays unbroken, then scoop the inside until the front wall is about an inch thick. A thinner wall carves more easily and lets more light through. Wipe the face dry before you transfer the pattern.

2. 2

   Transfer the state outline

   Print or draw the New Hampshire silhouette sized to fill the front without reaching the ribs at its narrowest waist. Tape the pattern flat and poke closely spaced holes along the entire border with a pin or a poker tool. Remove the paper and connect the dots lightly with a washable marker so you can see the full shape before cutting. Double check that the squared top and the pointed base both sit on flat skin.

3. 3

   Carve the smooth western edge first

   Start with the left side, which rises in a long, mostly straight sweep toward the squared top. Use a fine carving saw and let the blade do the work with steady, gentle pressure. Cutting the easy edge first builds a clean reference line and warms up your hand for the trickier side. Keep the piece supported so it does not crack as you go.

4. 4

   Work the wavy eastern coastline

   The right side traces the indented coast and the Connecticut River valley, so switch to short, rocking saw strokes for control on the curves. Take the tight in-and-out notches slowly and reposition your hand often rather than forcing a long cut. Leave the very narrowest neck of the shape for last so the surrounding pumpkin stays stable while you cut. Let the center piece drop free only once the whole outline is connected.

5. 5

   Clean up and shape the glow

   Trim any ragged edges from the inside with your knife so the border reads as a crisp silhouette. If you want the shape to look larger and brighter, bevel the inner edge of the cut at a slight angle so more light spills out. Test fit an LED light and check that the outline reads clearly from a few feet away. Adjust any spots that look muddy or too thin.

6. 6

   Light it and photograph

   Set a battery LED tea light or a small puck light inside for a safe, steady glow, and skip open flame on an indoor table. Place the pumpkin on a fall runner near a window and dim the room so the orange silhouette pops. Shoot slightly off to one side to catch the ribbing and the warm center. Rehydrate the cut edges with a damp cloth between showings to keep them looking fresh.