Spooky Silhouettes: Bat Pumpkin

Cut a hole in bottom of pumpkin, and hollow pumpkin until flesh is about 1/2 inch thick. Tape template to pumpkin. (Draw your own template or download ours and print. Enlarge or reduce to fit.)

Use an awl to punch holes along the design. Remove template.

With a fine-tipped linoleum cutter, carve outline and interior features of image, exposing flesh but not cutting all the way through. Draw a frame around design with a pen. Using a wide-tipped linoleum cutter, carve away rind inside frame and around design; cut 1/4 inch deep so uncarved area is in clear relief.

Rub petroleum jelly on exposed flesh to repel ink drips and to slow decay. Coat a brayer with lino ink (see the Guide); carefully roll over design. Use a paintbrush to fill missed areas. If ink strays, cut away stain.