Chompy the One-Eyed Monster

From pumpkin to porch

1. 1

   Pick a sturdy pumpkin and transfer the design

   Choose a round, firm pumpkin with a smooth front so the shapes sit evenly. Tape your printed pattern in place and poke the outlines with a pin or a stylus, marking the mouth, eye, and both claws. Space the two claws so they mirror each other on the sides. Step back and check the whole face reads clearly before you cut anything.

2. 2

   Open the pumpkin and clean the wall

   Have an adult cut an access hole in the back or bottom rather than the top, so the front stays clean. Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a sturdy scraper. Thin the inside wall behind your design down to about one inch so your blade moves easily. A thinner wall also lets the light glow brighter through each cutout.

3. 3

   Cut the eye and claws first

   Start with the single round eye in the center, cutting slowly and keeping the edge clean. Then work the two curved claw shapes on the sides, since these are big and simple openings. Doing the large cutouts before the teeth keeps the pumpkin strong while you handle the tricky part. Remove each piece by gently pushing it inward or outward once the outline is complete.

4. 4

   Carve the jagged mouth from both ends inward

   The rectangular mouth with its row of teeth is the star, so take your time. Cut the top and bottom edges of the mouth first, then shape the teeth working from both ends toward the middle. Leave the narrow points between teeth attached until the surrounding cuts are done, so they do not break early. Use a small detail blade and light pressure for the sharp zigzag.

5. 5

   Add the small brow shapes

   Above the mouth, carve the little curved brow marks that give the monster its expression. These are smaller cutouts, so use a fine blade and steady strokes. Keep a thin bridge of skin between shapes so nothing tears. Clean up any ragged edges with the tip of your knife.

6. 6

   Light it and take your photo

   Set a battery LED tea light or a small puck light inside for a steady, safe glow. Test in a dark room and rotate the light until the eye, mouth, and claws all shine evenly. Wipe the cut edges and rub a little petroleum jelly on them to slow drying. Shoot your photo at night on a porch step for the best contrast.

Written with AI to match this design