Project

Spider Squash

What would Halloween be without a macabre evocation of the denizens of the night? These multilegged creatures rise up from the damp earth and moss to skitter across cold stones.

Source: Martha Stewart Living, October 2008

Introduction

Black-green squashes, such as 'Table Ace' acorn, are carved with a linoleum cutter, which removes only the outer flesh.

materials

Dark-color squash

Spider template

Scissors

Keyhole saw

Fleshing tool

Masking tape

Linoleum cutter set

Strand of 25 miniature outdoor lights

Glass jar

steps

Size template to fit squash. Print, and trim excess paper around template.
Cut a hole at the base of squash, large enough to fit glass jar, with keyhole saw.
Clean the inside of pumpkin with fleshing tool, removing seeds, pulp, and fibers.
Affix template to squash with masking tape. Using awl, transfer design to squash by poking holes around blackened areas. Remove template.
With linoleum cutter fitted with a No. 2 blade, carve spider, exposing flesh without cutting all the way through. For finer details, switch to a No. 1 blade; for larger sections, use a No. 3 blade.