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View all stencils →About this stencil
The Wild Ghost Face pumpkin stencil is a free printable PDF template. Print it, tape the pattern on, and trace it onto your pumpkin. A wild-haired screaming figure dominates this expert ghost pumpkin stencil, with electrified hair fanning outward in jagged lightning-bolt spikes, a detailed face showing a broad toothy grin, arched brows, and heavily shadowed cheeks, all built from interlocking curved and angular cut-through shapes. The spiked hair is the defining element, each spike tapering to a sharp point. Begin with the outermost hair spikes, cutting from tip to base, so their fine points are done before the large central face cavities are removed and the wall becomes more flexible. It makes a fun jack-o'-lantern design for Halloween night. It is rated Expert / Pro. Actual time varies with preparation, pumpkin size and experience. Intricate details and fragile supports need patience. Technique depends on the design; follow its PDF rather than assuming multiple depth layers.
Pumpkin size guide
- 🎃 Small (5 to 7"): print at 80%
- 🎃 Medium (7 to 10"): print at 100% (recommended)
- 🎃 Large (11 to 13"): print at 130%
- 🎃 Giant (14"+): print at 150% on tabloid paper
Frequently asked questions
Can I resize this stencil?▾
Yes. The PDF is vector so it scales cleanly. Print the pattern at 100% for a 7 to 10 inch pumpkin, 130% for 11 to 13 inch, or 150% for a giant. Use your printer's "Fit to page" or "Custom scale" setting.
What kind of paper works best?▾
Standard 20 lb letter or A4 printer paper is fine. Heavier paper is harder to bend around the pumpkin curve. If your printer supports it, set the quality to 'best' so the lines are crisp.
How long will the carved pumpkin last?▾
Usually 5 to 10 days. Coat all cut surfaces with petroleum jelly and store the pumpkin somewhere cool overnight. Avoid direct sun. Battery LED pumpkin lights produce no heat and help it last longer.
Can I sell pumpkins carved with this stencil?▾
Yes, the carved pumpkin you make is yours. The license covers personal and small-scale commercial carving (selling carved pumpkins, photographing them, posting on social). You may not resell the PDF file itself.
What if my printer doesn't print the whole stencil?▾
Set 'Page scaling' to 'Fit' in the print dialog and uncheck 'Auto-rotate'. If it still cuts off, the design includes 0.25" of safe-area margin so a small crop won't ruin it.
How to carve this stencil
- Transfer all lines, noting the many hair spike tips and the thin bridges between facial-shadow sections.
- Cut the outermost hair spikes first, working each one from tip down to the base before moving on.
- Carve the inner ring of shorter hair tufts surrounding the face next.
- Work the facial details: brow cuts, eye socket, cheek-shadow shapes, and the bridge of the nose.
- Cut the tooth row inside the open mouth, working from outer teeth inward before opening the full mouth cavity.
- Use a bright LED so the spiked hair silhouette is visible even at the perimeter of the design.
Tools you'll need
For a expert / pro carve like this you'll want a fine-detail pumpkin saw, spoon / scoop, pin transfer tool, and detail gouges if the pattern includes shading. Here's the kit we reach for, but start with whatever you already own.
Elmchee Pumpkin Carving Kit
13-piece kit with carrying case
Saws for the larger cutouts, plus a scoop for hollowing. Covers both jobs in one kit.
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HOME MOST LED Pumpkin Lights
4-pack, battery operated, with remote + timer
Orange glow made for jack-o'-lanterns. The remote and timer light the pumpkin every evening without reaching inside.
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Speedball 4131 Lino Cutter Set
Handle + 5 interchangeable cutters
Interchangeable cutters for peeling and shading the face. Useful for the finer details.
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