34 Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas and Designs

Grab a bunch of mini pumpkins and get carving, because you're about to make the most seasonal votive candles! The great thing about pouring wax directly into the pumpkins instead of inserting pre-made candles is that you don't have to be as precise when carving the hole.

Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois.

SHOP SOY WAX

Another lit idea? Make candle holders with added greenery to create a stunning centerpiece. You can carve real or faux mini pumpkins for this project and add dried arrangements to make them last longer.

Uh oh, looks like one little gourd is in a bit of a pickle... er, pumpkin. This fun idea really gets into the scary aspect of the holiday, but is still so cute. Using a contrast color for the inside will help pop the scene.

Who needs a separate candy holder for your porch when you can double the fun with a happy jack-o'-lantern? What makes this one better is that you can reuse it every year because it's made with a faux pumpkin!

Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.

If you love the idea of a carved candy bowl and want to kick it up a notch, go neon! The carving part itself is so simple, especially if you use faux pumpkins. It only takes a few coats of paint, too!

Get the tutorial at Lydi Out Loud.

SHOP NEON PAINT

If you've got some faux pumpkins from previous years, upcycle them into a cute carved and stacked topiary! These started off as orange and were spray painted white for a different look that will surely stand out.

Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.

Rather than a spooky message, give a gentle reminder that the world could always use a little kindness. Sweet messages like "be kind" and little flower carvings are an easy way to spread the love.

Ree Drummond gives you full permission to carve a "fancy-schmancy" bowl when serving her pumpkin soup recipe, though this simple pattern won't take too much time at all. It would also work well for serving dips for parties, too!

Here's an easier one to do with the kids! Grab some Halloween cookie cutters and hammer them in for a fun and spooky result. It's best to go with simple shapes like ghosts so you don't have to worry about finer details.

Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things to Do.

Carving is just the start of this stunner. You'll really impress your guests by adding a paper diorama in the center, lit by flickering LED candles. It might take a little more time, but the end results are worth the effort!

Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.

SHOP FAUX PUMPKINS

You'll need a faux pumpkin for this project, but that's a good thing. Because you'll definitely want to put it out each year. It is both a welcome sign and a candy bowl for trick-or-treaters.

Get the tutorial at The Turquoise Home.

Well, since a pumpkin is a fruit, why not give it some buddies by carving other kinds? All types of melons would work, as would pineapple. You can also carve veggies like orange peppers!

Get the tutorial at Revel and Glitter.

Yes, we have a few candy bowls on this list! But what we love about this one (besides the hilarious toothy grin and googly eyes!) is the additional sign attached. It would look good on practically every type of carving, cute or creepy.

Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.

A warm welcome to all with this pretty pumpkin! Both the carving and etching are done with a battery-powered tool for better precision, but you could also give it a try by hand.

Get the tutorial at Mad in Crafts.

As if mini pumpkins weren't cute enough already! Here, they're transformed into planters for succulents, which are simply tucked into the carved-out top.

SHOP SUCCULENTS

This is probably one of the most adorable pumpkin carving ideas we've ever seen! You use the pumpkin face template to create adorable expressions, and plant little succulents for their hair!

Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.

Trade out your usual candy jars for one that’s even more festive. This tutorial recommends using a plastic or foam pumpkin, so don’t worry about getting pumpkin juice on your candy!

Get the tutorial at In My Own Style.

Your porch will be the talk of the annual Halloween party with this creative pumpkin sitting on it. The lantern has creepy crawlies dipping in and out, and isn't "spooky" what Halloween is all about?

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised.

Nailhead pumpkin designs look like something out of Crate & Barrel! Metallic furniture nails look especially cool in black and white pumpkins, but orange ones or gourds will do as well!

Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

Is drilling the same as carving? Eh, what’s it matter! Draw dotted or circular patterns with a pen and use a drill to create evenly sized holes. Using a drill-bit will make your jack-o'-lantern design far more even and clean than any pointed carving knife.

Get the tutorial at One Little Project.

SHOP DRILLS