Star-Framed Kawaii Pumpkin With Barred Eye Windows

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Hollow the pumpkin and score bar positions

   Hollow to a 22mm wall and mark the vertical bar down the center of each eye window before drawing the eye outlines. A minimum bar width of 12mm is needed. Mark the heart cheek positions and all twenty star and round hole positions in one session so the layout is complete before any cuts begin.

2. 2

   Cut the eye windows with rind bars

   Cut each large eye window as two separate semicircular sections, leaving the center bar fully intact. Work outward from the bar on each side. The bar connects top to bottom and does not need any additional support as long as it is at least 12mm wide. Clean window edges with a detail knife.

3. 3

   Cut the tiny smile and heart cheek holes

   Add the tiny smile slot below the eyes. Then cut the two empty heart cheek holes: start at the top cleft and cut each lobe downward to the bottom tip in two strokes. Both hearts are fully empty openings with no rind retained inside.

4. 4

   Begin the star and round holes: top arc

   Starting at the forehead, cut the five-point stars in the upper arc. For each star, insert a fine pointed blade at one tip and cut outward to that tip from both sides, working around all five points before removing the center. Never leave a dark retained center floating inside a larger window.

5. 5

   Complete the star border: sides and chin arc

   Continue around the sides and lower face, cutting stars and round holes alternately. Space cuts to avoid cutting two adjacent holes consecutively; work every third hole to keep surrounding rind stable. Round holes can be drilled with an 8mm bit for speed.

6. 6

   Light and display

   Set a bright LED inside and view from across the room. The star points should glow as individual spikes of light. Display outdoors on a dry night; damp air enhances the scattered-light effect from the star border. Photograph before moving the pumpkin since the detail is fragile.

Written with AI to match this design