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Sep 14, 2026
Waverly the Smiling Ghost pumpkin carvingAI
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Waverly the Smiling Ghost

A round-bodied cartoon ghost grins with a wide smile and raises both hands in an enthusiastic wave, its curling tail and chunky fingers all carved through in this cheerful jack-o-lantern pumpkin carving idea. Bright LED light inside fills every cutout section evenly, from the wide smile gap down to the tail curl. Carve the small finger segments on each raised hand before opening the large body cavity, since cutting the big section first can flex the rind and crack those narrow strips.

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IntermediateMonstersCuteClassic Cutout
ghostcutecartooncutoutsmilewavingfriendly

Save this design for carving night, then share a photo of your own jack-o'-lantern once it's glowing.

All related characters, names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This is an unofficial fan carving shared by our community for inspiration only. PumpkinCarvingIdeas.com is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any rights holder or person depicted, and no such connection is implied.

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Our tips for carving a similar design

The whole design lives in the contrast between the dark skin outline and the bright cutout body, so the trick is keeping the ghost's shape readable while opening large sections cleanly. Save the big body cavity for last and carve the narrow finger segments first, since cutting the large opening early can flex the rind and snap those thin strips. Plan your bridges ahead of time so the face, hands, and tail all stay connected to the surrounding skin.

From pumpkin to porch

  1. Transfer the pattern and plan bridges

    Pick a smooth, flat-faced pumpkin and clean off the skin where the design will go. Tape your ghost stencil in place and poke through the outlines with a transfer tool or push pin. Before you cut, mark which small slivers of skin will act as bridges to hold the eyes, smile, and finger gaps in place. This planning step keeps delicate parts attached once the light shines through.

  2. Gut and thin the wall

    Cut a lid from the bottom or the back rather than the top so the ghost's face stays intact. Scoop out the seeds and scrape the inside wall of the carving area down to about one inch thick. A thinner wall makes cutouts easier and lets more light pass through evenly. Even out any high spots so your blade moves smoothly.

  3. Carve the small finger segments first

    Start with the tiny curled fingers on each raised hand while the rind is still stiff and supported. Use a small detail saw or craft blade and take short, gentle strokes. Keep the thin strips between fingers attached so each hand reads clearly. Doing these narrow cuts before the big opening protects them from flexing and cracking.

  4. Open the face details

    Cut the eyes, the wide smile gap, and the small mouth opening next. Work from the center of each shape outward so you do not tear the corners. Keep the rounded cartoon lines soft rather than sharp for that friendly look. Clear the cut pieces gently with your fingers so the edges stay clean.

  5. Open the large body and tail last

    With the small details done, cut the big body cavity and the curling tail. Save these largest openings for the end because removing that much rind weakens the surrounding wall. Support the pumpkin with your free hand as you cut and lift out the pieces slowly. Trim any ragged edges from the back so light spills through smoothly.

  6. Light it and photograph

    Drop a bright LED puck or string light inside, never a candle, so every cutout glows evenly from the smile down to the tail curl. Check that the light reaches the finger tips and the far side of the tail, and add a second LED if any area looks dim. Set the pumpkin at eye level for your photo and shoot in low ambient light to make the glow pop. Mist the cut edges with water to keep them fresh for the shot.

Written with AI to match this design

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 outer background skin and the outline strips that define the ghost's body edges stay untouched and dark.

  • Peel & shade

    Optional shallow skin-peeling along the tail curl or cheeks gives a soft dim halo around the bright cutouts.

  • Cut through

    The body, eyes, wide smile gap, raised hands with finger gaps, and the curling tail are cut fully through for the brightest glow.

Learn the carving basics

Before you start cutting

Why carve the fingers before the big body opening?

The narrow strips between the curled fingers are the most fragile part of the design. If you open the large body cavity first, the rind flexes and can crack those thin sections. Cutting the fingers while the surrounding pumpkin is still firm keeps them supported and clean.

How do I keep the eyes and smile from falling out?

Leave small slivers of uncut skin as bridges at the corners of the eyes and mouth. These tiny connectors hold each shape in place while still letting light through. Plan them before you cut so you do not accidentally free-float a piece.

What light works best for this ghost?

Use a bright white or warm LED puck or a short LED string, not a candle. The many cutouts need even fill light so the smile and tail all glow at once. If one side looks dark, add a second LED or reposition it toward the center.

Your take belongs here, too.

Changed a detail? Made it simpler? Share a photo of your version and tell the community what worked.

Share your pumpkin

Want more designs like this? Browse our full library of pumpkin carving ideas, or pick a free printable stencil. Every pattern and template in our own collection is free to print at home.

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