How to Carve Faux Pumpkins

Want pumpkins with staying power? Learn how to carve faux pumpkins you can display fall after fall in this Lowe’s video:

These pumpkins are faux, not fresh, so you can put them out year after year, and they’re just as easy to carve as a real pumpkin. And for tracing, cutting and etching, a Dremel is the right tool for the job. Get the detailed tools and materials list and project instructions here.

1. Get started by transferring a design to the pumpkin. Using the fine tip engraving bit, trace or score the pattern onto the pumpkin. Make sure the paper’s pressed tightly against the surface while you work. Once you’ve drawn the design, remove the paper.

2. Now you can start carving. Use the grinding bit for a unique etching technique that’s great for faux pumpkins. Etching takes away the topcoat of color, revealing the white underneath. It creates great contrast, and it’s easy to do. If you’ve got a really delicate design, there’s an even smaller etching bit you can use.

3. For a cutout design, use the cutting bit. Try to cut on the inside of your score marks. If the edges are a little ragged after you’ve made your cuts, you can use the grinding bit to smooth things out. Cut out the bottom of the pumpkin so you can use an LED ligh inside for a jack o’lantern look.

Combine techniques to create one-of-a-kind pumpkins you’ll use fall after fall.