Twin Row Oval Slot Minimalist Precision Pumpkin Lantern

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Create a curved-surface strip template

   Measure the horizontal circumference of the pumpkin at the height where the slots will sit. Draw a flat strip template at that length with 12 evenly spaced oval slot positions. Print two copies: one for the upper row and one for the lower. Wrap each strip against the pumpkin and secure with tape, making sure the rows are parallel and the slot columns align vertically.

2. 2

   Hollow the pumpkin from the base

   Cut a bottom plug and scoop to a 25 mm wall throughout the front face. A bottom entry allows the LED pillar candle to sit inside at mid-height without the lid interrupting the view of the slot rows.

3. 3

   Poke-transfer all slot centers

   With the templates taped firmly in place, poke the center and four corners of each slot oval through the template into the pumpkin surface. Remove the templates and connect the dots for each slot outline with a chalk marker.

4. 4

   Cut the slots from top row first

   Begin with the top row, cutting each oval slot fully through in a smooth continuous stroke. Keep the blade perpendicular to the surface for clean, consistent edges. Clear each slot before moving to the next. Complete the full top row before starting the bottom row.

5. 5

   Cut the bottom row

   Working across the bottom row, cut all 12 slots. After each slot, step back and visually check the vertical alignment with the corresponding slot in the top row. Any misalignment is easier to see during cutting than after all 24 are complete.

6. 6

   Light and display

   Place a tall LED pillar candle inside through the base opening and replace the plug. The 24 slots glow uniformly across both rows. Display on a flat surface at chest height where the two rows are at a natural viewing angle.

Written with AI to match this design