Pokeball Pumpkin with Retained Center Band and Button

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Hollow and prepare walls

   Cut a back panel, remove all pulp, and thin the carving face walls to three-quarters of an inch. The band and button must stay connected across the full dome openings, so consistent wall thickness prevents uneven stress on the retained sections.

2. 2

   Pre-mark the band midpoint

   Draw a horizontal guideline at the vertical center of the carving face. Double-check that the line runs parallel to a flat tabletop by holding a ruler against the pumpkin while marking. This reference ensures both dome cuts are symmetrical.

3. 3

   Transfer the full pattern

   Tape the printed pattern aligned to the midpoint line and trace all shapes including the band perimeter and button circle using a pin tool. Re-draw bridge positions with a pen after removing the paper.

4. 4

   Cut the upper dome

   Using a thin carving saw, cut the full upper dome opening. Adults handle all cutting. Leave the saw running parallel to the top band edge rather than angling toward it. Remove the cut piece and measure the visible band width to confirm it is at least a half-inch before proceeding.

5. 5

   Cut the lower dome

   Cut the lower dome opening, staying clear of the band bottom edge and the button circle at all times. Work around the button circle with patient short strokes, leaving a consistent margin of rind between the saw blade and the circle boundary.

6. 6

   Back-carve and light

   Score shallow grooves along the band top and bottom edges for a crisp finish, using a V-gouge or fine Dremel bit. Insert a battery-powered LED. The retained band and button will read as a bold dark graphic silhouette between the two glowing dome apertures.

Written with AI to match this design