Carving Craft Pumpkins and Funkins Pumpkins

Carving craft pumpkins is easy with these Funkins Pumpkins ideas that can be displayed indoors or out. Minimal supplies required.

Spooktacular Tips for Carving Craft Pumpkins and Funkins Pumpkins

Kids of all ages love to carve pumpkins, but not all pumpkins are created equal. Funkins™ Pumpkins are manufactured, synthetic craft pumpkins with a low-density foam inner core. They look, and for the most part, feel like a real pumpkin.

The only difference is that you don’t have to clean out any seeds or pulp. Best of all, they are extremely light and easy to store year after year.

RELATED: No Carve Pumpkin Projects

You can find them at your local hobby shop and on Amazon.com. They come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes–much like real pumpkins.

And, you can carve them with traditional carving tools or easier still, use a hot carving knife.

How to Carve You Craft Pumpkin with a Hot Knife {Video}

Designing Your Funkin Pumpkin

Carving designs into your Funkin pumpkin is simple enough, but deciding what to carve is the hardest part.

Just like the real deal, you can cut and decorate it however you want. Drawing out your design before carving helps tremendously. And, with a pumpkin template it’s a breeze.

Here’s a handy Pumpkin Printable (PDF) to draw out your design.

It’s best if you cut out your design and tape it on your pumpkin to get the proper placement and then make any adjustments before you make your first cut.

You can also trace your design using a pencil to cause an indentation into the outer surface to follow as your cut line.

Then, it’s carving as usual.

How to Light Your Funkins Craft Pumpkins

Once you’ve cut out your design, the final thing you need to decide is if you want to use any form of lighting from within your pumpkin.

All foam pumpkin manufacturers recommend battery-operated lights only (see below) because the pumpkins are flammable.

For indiscrete lighting with strings of lights or flameless candles, it’s best if you cut your pumpkin from below. Doing so also allows you to “hide” the light source.

Crafting Tip: Whatever lighting source you choose, make sure that it is easy to get to and that it is non-flammable. And, if you do use candles only use the battery-operated ones.

Here are two fun but eco-friendly lighting ideas for your favorite craft pumpkins:

Small Pumpkin Lights (LED and Remote Controlled)

Peep n’ Peepers Flashing Eyes (not shown to size)

Crafting Tip: Mini votives are great for creating mood and perfect for highlighting intricate pumpkin cutouts.

More Crazy Carving Craft Pumpkins Ideas for Your Craft Funkins Pumpkins

You don’t have to limit yourself to just carving eyes, nose and mouth on your pumpkin. Check out these ideas for more crazy carved craft pumpkins:

1. Halve your pumpkin and hang it on a wall or doorway.

Source: Original Source Unknown. Found on Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons 

Crafting Tip: Sometimes adding a bit of bling to one’s pumpkin can make all the difference. Just make sure that it is flame-resistant and won’t come in contact with any candles or hot light bulbs. You can also use hot glue to attach your favorite decorations to keep them in place.

2. Gather a bunch of frightful pumpkins for a show-stopping archway.

Source: Don Morin

3. Stack your pumpkins for a terrifying topiary look.

Source: Tator Tots and Jello

Related: Michael’s Pumpkin Totem Pole

4. Line your cut pumpkin with fabric and make it a candy dish.

Source: Layla Palmer and HGTV.com

RELATED: Jumbo Halloween Pumpkin Spider

5. Add some Halloween or fall-inspired ribbon to camouflage a cache of kitties.

Source: All You

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As you can see, the possibilities are endless when carving your craft pumpkin. And, as I always say, let your imagination be your guide.

For more family-friendly crafts, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker’s Craft Section.