Say Cheese Pumpkin Stencil

When carving a single, long piece from a design (like the piece that forms this character's goofy grin), you may encounter resistance when pushing the piece outward from the pumpkin. If the section won't budge easily, try tracing around its edges and corners to ensure it has been cut completely free. If necessary, cut the section into small chunks and work them out with your fingers. Don't pry pieces out with your carving knife -- that could damage the overall design.

To carve:

1. Gut a pumpkin by carving a hole in its underside and reaching in to clear out the seeds and slimy parts with a metal scoop. Scrape the interior wall to approximately 1" thickness on side you're planning to carve.

2. Print out the stencil and tape it to the side of your pumpkin, smoothing the paper as best you can. Pierce along the stencil lines with a needle tool, poking tightly spaced holes through the paper and into the pumpkin's surface. (Hint: Be thorough -- this will become your cutting guide.) Remove the stencil after transferring all lines to the pumpkin.

3. Use a thin, serrated knife (such as a woodcutting or linoleum-cutting knife) to carve along the pin holes. Push out carved sections by pressing on them with your fingers from inside the pumpkin; follow our tips in the stencil caption, above, if you encounter any resistance.

4. Light up this character's wide smile by adding a flameless candle to the pumpkin's interior.