Victorian Gothic
This sideboard tableau intersperses luminous pumpkins with a decanter of wine, a stand with fruit, and other objects evocative of Edgar Allan Poe and his tales of horror. To render the glowing silhouettes, we used two techniques: The bright candelabrum and goblet are cut through the pumpkins' walls, while the textured quill and skull are pared gently from the outer shells. Pumpkins of different hues, including white 'Lumina,' a green-gray 'Jarrahdale,' and burnt-orange cheese pumpkins, add tonal variety.

Tools and Materials
Keyhole saw to cut the opening
Plaster scraper, fleshing tool, or sharp, sturdy spoon for scooping out the pulpy flesh and thinning the walls
Awl, for transferring the template patterns
Narrow-blade and wide-blade linoleum cutters for etching designs
Miniature saw for carving designs
String lights
Glass jar
Template

Pumpkin How-To
Once the carving is complete, wrap string lights around the glass jar, then place jar inside pumpkin. We prefer this technique because you won't have to worry about the lights going out in your display.

To Begin
Cut a hole in base of pumpkin with keyhole saw. Scoop out seeds and flesh with plaster scraper, fleshing tool, or spoon; thin walls if desired. Choose templates. Reduce or enlarge as needed, and tape to pumpkin. Using an awl, pierce holes along perimeter of template; remove to reveal pattern outline.

For Etched Details
Using narrow-blade linoleum cutter, remove skin along perimeter of your design. Then use wide-blade cutter to pare away skin within design. (The more skin you pare, the brighter the design will glow.)

For Carved Details
Carve out your design using miniature saw. For intricate patterns with tight corners, work in sections.