Simple Spiral Galaxy Pumpkin on a Porch at Night

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Prep the pumpkin

   Cut a back lid and scoop the interior to a firm, consistent inch of wall thickness. Choose a slightly oval or round pumpkin with a smooth front face that will show off the open spiral. Wipe the face dry before transferring the template.

2. 2

   Mark the center circle and plan the comma positions

   Use a compass or traced bottle cap to mark a two-inch circle near the center of the pumpkin face. Lightly sketch one comma-shaped arc curving outward to the upper right and another curving outward to the lower left. Confirm both arcs spiral away from the circle in the same rotational direction before perforating.

3. 3

   Perforate the template

   Use a pushpin to perforate along the circle outline, then along both comma arc outlines. Space the dots a quarter inch apart. Remove any paper template and confirm the dotted lines read as a clear spiral galaxy plan on the rind.

4. 4

   Cut the center circle

   Insert a jab saw at the circle perimeter and cut all the way around, keeping the blade perpendicular to the rind. Pop out the circle and clean the inside edge. This is the bright galactic core that all light radiates from.

5. 5

   Cut each comma aperture

   Cut the first comma aperture starting at its inner end nearest the circle and curving outward to its outer tip. Repeat for the second comma on the opposite side. Each comma should be a clean, smooth arc with both ends fully enclosed by solid rind.

6. 6

   Light and display on the porch

   Center an LED tea light directly behind the circle inside the pumpkin. Step back and confirm the two comma arms spiral visibly outward from the bright core in opposite directions. Display on a porch step or railing at dusk when the ambient light is dim enough to let the galaxy glow.

Written with AI to match this design