Create a unique
Jack-o-Lantern for Halloween

Step by step guide

Nothing signifies Halloween like a glowing Jack o'Lantern with a unique pattern. In this tutorial we show you how to create a unique Halloween pumpkin using a laser.

Preparation

Required material:

Pumpkin
Pumpkin carving kit or sharp knife and large spoon or ice cream scoop
Duct tape
Toothbrush
Candle or LED lights

Used Trotec Laser:

Speedy 400
80 watts
2 inch lens

Step by Step

Step 1: Find a perfect pumpkin

Buy a pumpkin from your local supermarket or from a farm shop. Try to find one that's a good size with little visible damage/marks. The perfect pumpkin has a smooth surface and a uniform coloring.

Step 2: Place the pumpkin in the laser

Put the pumpkin in the laser and position it with some tape, if necessary. Open our template or design your own pattern, and then send the file to the laser.

Parameters used:

Engraving: Power: 100% - Speed: 25% - Frequency: AUTO - Air Assist: ON - Passes: 2
For a perfect engraving result, we've activated the "High Quality" option.

Step 3: Wash it

After processing it with the laser, it is necessary to clean the pumpkin with lukewarm water and a toothbrush.

get a knife and a spoon to hollow the pumpkin

Step 4: Prepare tools

Take a sharp knife and a spoon. You will also need 2 bowls - one for the seeds and the other one for pumpkin pulp.

Step 5: Hollowing

Cut out the lid at the top of the pumpkin and take all the seeds and the pumpkin strings.You can use a spoon, but it is easier just using your hands.

After that use a spoon to clean out the inside of the pumpkin. Scrape away the walls and put the pumpkin pulp into the second bowl.

place a candle inside and let the pumpkin glow

Step 6: Let it glow

Wipe the inside of the pumpkin down with a kitchen sponge. Place a candle or a LED-light inside the pumpkin and close the lid. Now your Jack o' Lantern is ready for Haloween!

Happy Halloween!

Tips and Tricks:

Sprinkle some cinnamon on the underside of the lid. Some people claim this makes the pumpkin last longer.

Hollowing out the pumpkin can be quite exhausting. An ice cream scoop can make your job easier.

Don't thow the pumpkin pulp away - keep it and cook a delicious soup.