Tennis Ball Seam Pumpkin on Patio at Dusk

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Prep the pumpkin

   Cut from the base, hollow, and scrape the inner wall to three-quarters of an inch. A round pumpkin gives the best result since the circular aperture and curved seam bands work with the sphere shape. Mark the center of the face with a small cross before applying the template.

2. 2

   Mark the seam band curves carefully

   Draw the outer circle boundary first. Then draw the two curved seam bands inside the circle so they mirror each other, each connecting to the outer shell at opposite sides of the circle. Step back and check that the two bands appear symmetrical before cutting anything.

3. 3

   Cut the outer circle boundary

   Cut the outer circle aperture perimeter first with a thin flexible blade, leaving the two seam bands intact. Work slowly around the curve using short strokes. The two seam bands will remain as uncut rind bridges across the interior of the circle.

4. 4

   Refine the seam band edges

   Use a narrow blade or craft knife to clean up the inner edges of both seam bands where they meet the open aperture area. The seam bands should have clean, smooth inner edges on both sides.

5. 5

   Punch the star accents

   Use a small star punch or a round punch arranged in a five-point pattern to add star accents in the solid outer shell around the circle. Press firmly and evenly to cut through the rind cleanly. Space the stars evenly around the outer solid area.

6. 6

   Light and display

   A warm LED inside shows the seam bands as darker retained rind against the brighter open sections on each side, creating the tennis ball visual at night. Position on a patio at dusk for the outdoor setting described in the design.

Written with AI to match this design