Deer Pumpkin Stencil
Alright fans of animal pumpkin stencils, break out your pumpkin art skills. We almost hesitate to call this deer stencil "carved"—it's entirely etched! (But etching is a form of carving, so it counts.) For best results when carving this lovely deer, choose a pumpkin that has at least one smooth, flat side to use as your etching "canvas." Round-sided pumpkins work well for simple Halloween pumpkin decorations, like traditional jack-o'-lanterns, but for detailed etchwork, flat-sided pumpkins are better!
free deer pumpkin stencil pattern
To carve:
1. Turn your pumpkin on its side to access the bottom of the pumpkin and use a thin, serrated knife to cut a large circle in it. (Tip: Make sure the circle is wide enough to comfortably reach your arm into.) Using your hands or a metal scoop, reach in and clear out the pumpkin innards.
2. Download the free deer stencil and print it out, resizing it with a copier if necessary. Tape the stencil to your pumpkin, pressing down on the paper to smooth it as much as possible.
3. Pierce holes along the lines forming the deer's head, neck, and antlers with a large nail or a long needle tool, keeping pin holes tightly spaced. Remove the stencil after outlining the entire design.
4. Etch the circular area surrounding the deer by peeling off the pumpkin's skin with a gouge. Keep the pumpkin's skin intact in the areas forming the deer.
5. Place a candle in your pumpkin's interior to enjoy the translucent glow.
