**decor crafts** -> **yard**

Wood Pumpkin Yard Decor
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Fall. Customize the size for your needs.

Project by: Walter Hoke

Also see:
Blog: tips from the workroom & trail
Wood Crafts
Fall Projects
Painting & Art Projects

This delightful wood pumpkin was created by my father, Walter Hoke. He was an exceptional artist, and loved to create beautiful holiday decorations. He was also a watercolor artist, and created many paintings during his lifetime. I miss him, but his creations live on. He gave me designs and information over the years, so that I could share his items with the world, through this website and my previous site (CraftAndFabricLinks.com). You may use this pattern for your personal use only. Any other purpose must be first approved in writing by us. Our pattern is copyright protected and cannot be copied, displayed or distributed. - Christina

This friendly pumpkin is ready for fall, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Use our pattern to cut your pumpkin any size you wish (the pattern grids can represent any size). Use exterior paints over plywood to create a sturdy yard display piece.

learn how to carve a pumpkin pattern — **Pumpkin Carving Tutorial**

Learn how to create an artistically carved pumpkin. Fun and easy with the right tools!

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OUTDOOR USE / PATTERN SIZE

Enlarge the pattern by changing the grid. For example, if your grid squares represent 6", your finished pumpkin will be 2 feet x 2 feet. If your grid squares represent 12", your finished pumpkin will be 4 feet x 4 feet.

SUPPLIES

3/8" Plywood (sheet size depends on the size you plan to make your pumpkin - 1/4" plywood would be ok if you are making a smaller pumpkin, such as 2 feet x 2 feet or smaller)

Exterior Paints: Undercoat paint (primer), colors of your choice for pumpkin and hat. Shading colors will add dimension, but can be omitted. My father used orange, white, and black. He mixed those to create the shades of orange for shading, and some gray on the hat. Most home improvement stores offer small sample jars of paint.

Sand Paper: Medium to fine grit

Tack cloth

Paint Brushes - your choice, depending on size of your pumpkin

Pumpkin Pattern - download our free pattern (a pdf file) Our pattern prints to one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper. Click link or image below.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare The Pattern

Print the pattern. Decide what size you wish your finished pumpkin to be. The grid lines will represent dimensions. For example, if you want the finished pumpkin to measure approximately 4 feet x 4 feet, each square would represent 1 foot. If you want the finished pumpkin to be 2 feet x 2 feet, then each square would represent 6".

2. Transfer Pumpkin Pattern To Plywood

You can do this by placing graphite paper under your pattern pieces and using a stylus to press down on the lines of the pattern, transferring the pattern to the wood. Or, you can "free hand" draw the pattern onto the wood, using the pattern as a guide.

3. Cut Out The Pumpkin From The Plywood

Use a saber saw to cut your pumpkin from the sheet of plywood. CAUTION: You must be skilled with the saw before attempting to use it. If you are not skilled at the use of a saw, and knowledgeable about its safety, find a skilled craftsman to cut this for you. Always take all usual safety precautions when cutting wood (dust mask, eye safety goggles, etc.).

4. Prepare The Pumpkin For Painting

Sand the front of the pumpkin until smooth. Use a tack cloth to remove dust.

Apply a coat of primer to both sides of the wood (use exterior paint if the pumpkin will be used outdoors). Let dry.

5. Paint The Pumpkin

Paint the front of the piece with desired colors and details. If you need help with the design, tape or staple string lines to the turkey to create temporary grid lines. Use a pencil to lightly draw the pattern lines onto the pumpkin. A grid makes copying a pattern much easier, because you now know precisely where lines should be.

Paint the back of the piece with 2 coats of any exterior paint or varethane.

Mount your pumpkin on a fence, post, or stake. He can also lean up against a tree or the house.