20 Unique Pumpkin Carving Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What are 2 types of pumpkins for carving? ›

Carving Pumpkins

It is the Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin! These pumpkins were bred for carving, so they have little flesh (“pumpkin guts”) on the inside and thin walls that make it easy to carve and allow candles to shine through. Lumina pumpkins are also a fun choice for carving due to their eerie white skin.

Carving out scary, funny and cute pumpkin faces is an entertaining Halloween activity for all ages. There are zipper-mouthed pumpkins, smiling wicked witches, zombies, ghouls, candy monsters and so many more simple pumpkin carving ideas that'll boost your spooky decor on October 31.

It's not considered the best for carving, although it can certainly be painted if you want to use it for decoration. Lumina: Lumina pumpkins have a smooth skin with vibrant yellow flesh on the inside.

1. Black Futsu – Like a color-changing chameleon, this rare Japanese variety is one of the most unique pumpkins you can grow. Starting out as a greenish-black wart covered fruit, 'Black Futsu' turns chestnut color when mature, but not before transitioning through a grayish-green, moldy-looking stage.

All pumpkins are edible. The decorative kind yield a lot of delicious seeds after toasting and salting. Not the best for pie but edible, just ask my squirrels.

Several carved miniature pumpkins can be grouped to make a nice table arrangement or centerpiece. This is a fun idea for a teenage DIY party too. AND they can make a really cute hostess gifts or teacher gifts too!

Fun pumpkin carving fact: you can get sharpie or permanent marker off of a pumpkin with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.

Polka dots pumpkin

This polka dot pumpkin is incredibly easy, its stunning to look at. The simple design is effective and eye-catching for a more subtle look. Carve out small dots and circles using small knives and skewers or make things easier with an electric drill.

Use a blue foam sheet to cut out two years about 4" x 2-½". Cut out a small nose out of blue foam that measures about 3" x 1-½". With black foam, cut out eyebrows. Attach 2 eyes, eyebrows, ears and nose to the front of the pumpkin with hot glue.

White fruited pumpkins are edible. White fruited varieties, such as 'Lumina,' have a white skin and orange flesh. They are chiefly grown for their unique “ghostly” appearance. However, the orange flesh is suitable for cooking.

Can you carve pink pumpkins? ›

Technically, any type of pumpkin, gourd or squash can be carved, but you want to select ones that are easy for you and your kids to handle.

There are two kinds of faux pumpkins I have come across, the generic craft pumpkin and the Funkin. The craft pumpkins look like an idealized pumpkin. They are a little thin for carving but will work.

Classic jack-o-lantern pumpkins are often chosen for their bright orange hue and striking stem, however the flesh of a these pumpkins is often thinner and more coarse than other varieties. If you plan to carve a traditional pumpkin, you can't go wrong with a jack-o-lantern.

Pumpkin Varieties for Cooking

Flesh of carving pumpkins are generally stringy, watery and bland, but can be used for making pies. The best varieties for making pumpkin pies are Baby Bear, Cinderella, Jarrahdale and Fairytale.

Jack-O-Lantern is the classic carving pumpkin. It has broad, smooth skin with shallow ribs. The soft rind and thin layer of flesh inside makes it easy to cut through. As this variety is intended to be used for decoration, the meat may be stringy or bitter, but the roasted seeds make a tasty treat for the kids.