When most of us were kids, pumpkin carvingOpens in a new tab at Halloween was a relatively simple affair. You carved a scary face, you put in a candle, and that was about it. But these days, pumpkin carving is a true art form. There are even televised competitions for it, on shows like Halloween WarsOpens in a new tab. Now, via WiredOpens in a new tab, we’ve learned just how complex pumpkin carving can get. Two-time Halloween Wars winner James HallOpens in a new tab takes us on a step-by-step process in the video below:
The first level is the classic “basic” Jack-o’-Lantern. The kind we see on greeting cards, or in the opening credits to certain iconic slasher filmsOpens in a new tab. Level two is still your basic entry pumpkin, with a few more accents to give it an extra edge. This is what most of us usually can accomplish. Level three is the “realistic level,” which is where stuff starts getting difficult. And where it really helps if you’re a decent artist. Opens in a new tab
The fifth level goes into layered carving, while level six takes us into back carving territory. Level seven is when it gets really hard, as it’s all about 3D carving. This is when it goes from “carving” to “sculpting.” Once you get to level eight, you’re sculpting backgrounds into the pumpkin. And once you’ve reached levels nine through thirteen, you’re adding extra parts, lightsOpens in a new tab, and even mechanical components.
Wired
When you see James Hall’s work on these pumpkins, you see why he managed to win Halloween Wars twice. But if you follow his instructions, you still have time to have some of the best pumpkinsOpens in a new tab on your street this Halloween. If you head on over to James Hall’s YouTube channelOpens in a new tab, you can see his pumpkins for the Krayt DragonOpens in a new tab from The Mandalorian, and the Eyeball Monster from Big Trouble in Little China. Maybe all this will inspire you to create your own pumpkin work of art.
