@porchglow
Sep 7, 2026
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Our tips for carving a similar design
The whole charm here is a classic simple face with one funny twist: googly plastic eyes popped into shallow sockets instead of carved holes. Keep the triangle nose and a small toothy mouth as clean cutouts, then let the store-bought eyes do the comedy. It is a fast, forgiving design that reads well even from across a room.
Written by PumpkinCarvingIdeas.com, inspired by @porchglow's photo above. These are our suggestions, not instructions from the uploader, and this approach hasn't been tested on their exact carve.
From pumpkin to porch
Pick and prep your pumpkin
Choose a round, tall pumpkin with a smooth front panel for the face. Have an adult cut a lid at the top or, better for stability, a hole in the bottom so you can set the pumpkin down over an LED. Scoop out the seeds and scrape the front wall until it is about one inch thick. A thinner wall makes the cutouts much easier to carve cleanly.
Draw the face
With a washable marker, sketch two small circles for the eye sockets, a simple triangle nose, and a wide mouth with a couple of square teeth. Keep everything centered on the flat front panel. Space the eyes a little wider than feels natural so the googly eyes look funny later. Step back and check the layout before you cut anything.
Carve the nose and mouth
An adult should handle the poking tool and carving saw. Start with the small triangle nose, cutting straight in and gently pushing the piece out. Carve the mouth next, leaving the little teeth as attached bridges so they stay strong. Cut slowly and let the saw do the work rather than forcing it.
Make the eye sockets
Instead of cutting all the way through for eyes, carve two shallow round pockets just big enough to seat your plastic googly or doll eyes. Test fit as you go so the eyes sit snug and do not fall inward. If your eyes have a flat back, a dab of hot glue from an adult keeps them in place. This is the signature trick of the whole design.
Clean up and light it
Trim any rough edges on the nose and mouth with a paring knife for crisp lines. Wipe the carved face dry with a paper towel. Drop a battery LED puck inside and set the pumpkin over it. Skip real candles, since the plastic eyes can warp or melt with heat.
Stage your photo
For a fun community shot, have someone hold the pumpkin up in front of their face like a mask, or set it on a shelf at eye level. A plain bright background makes the goofy grin pop. Snap a few angles so the googly eyes catch the light. Share your version with the tags funny and silly.
Gather your supplies
Check things off as you get ready.
Work on a stable surface, keep your free hand out of the cutting path, and have an adult handle sharp tools.
Three levels of light
- Leave intact
The whole orange body and the front panel stay untouched and dark, keeping the plain friendly look.
- Peel & shade
You can shave a thin halo around the mouth or under the eyes for a soft glow if you want extra warmth.
- Cut through
The triangle nose and the toothy mouth are cut all the way through for the brightest light.
Before you start cutting
Should I carve holes for the eyes or use the plastic ones?
The look here comes from plastic eyes set in shallow sockets, not cut-through holes. Carve only a shallow pocket so the eyes sit flush and do not drop inside. If you would rather carve traditional eye holes, that works too and lights up brighter.
How do I keep the little teeth from breaking?
Leave the teeth as attached bridges of pumpkin flesh rather than free-floating pieces. Keep the mouth wall about one inch thick so the teeth have support. Carve around them slowly and avoid prying, which is what usually snaps thin details.
Will the pumpkin work as a costume prop like in the photo?
It can be held up in front of your face for a photo, but a whole pumpkin is heavy and awkward to wear for long. For quick pictures, hollow it well to lighten it and hold it with both hands. Do not put a lit candle inside if you are holding it near your face.
Your take belongs here, too.
Changed a detail? Made it simpler? Share a photo of your version and tell the community what worked.
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