I will take all the bacon and eggs you have.
Ron Swanson's pumpkin of greatness. Source: Southern Living

Carving Halloween pumpkins is already considered as a tradition in our country, and there are many different ways to do it. There’s no sense in trying designs that don’t quite work for you. So here’s an article on newer, less scary pumpkin carvings.

“I will defend pumpkin until the day I die. It's delicious. It's healthy. I don't understand the backlash. How did pumpkin become this embarrassing thing to love but bacon is still the cool flavor to add to everything? I don't have anything against bacon; just don't come after pumpkin like it's a crime to love an American staple.” - Anna Kendrick

Next Level Pumpkin Carving

Stars, stripes and lines, there are many different paths to go down. Since you will want lots of inspiration for your upcoming pumpkin carving party, we have compiled the best non-scary pumpkin carving designs for you. Pick your favorite and give it a try!

Star Pumpkin

That's no moon...
You can get really crafty with pumpkin carving. Source: Total Geekdom

This geometric design is excellent in adding some twinkle to any part of your home! It’s also a great accent if your pumpkin display is already busy. A simple star would coordinate spookier designs as it can remind of mystic powers but it also works great as a whimsical and adorable centerpiece.

  • Shooting stars
  • Five point stars
  • Six point stars
  • Twinkling stars
  • Rainbow stars
  • Asterisk
  • Diamond style
  • Pentagram
  • Star of David
  • Absence of a star
  • Faded star
  • The “Captain America” circle
  • Snowflake

Just like with any other project, you need to prepare in order to ensure success. You can start by choosing a pumpkin that has an intact stem and a steady base at the pumpkin patch. Tip: do NOT pick pumpkins with their stems because that might cause them to break off. Search for pumpkins that have no mold. To make the carving process easier for you, get a pumpkin that’s large enough.

Mickey Mouse Pumpkin

P-U-M, P-K-I, N as you can see
Classic, iconic cartoon faces. Source: Flickr

Let the iconic grin of Mickey Mouse greet this year's trick or treaters! The things that you will need are the following: a pumpkin, regular paper, pumpkin carving kit, toothpicks, and a water-based marker. To start, get a piece of paper and sketch Mickey Mouse's face in it. Then, tape it into your pumpkin. You may need to trim or fold the paper's edges in order to fit it around your pumpkin.

Oh Boy, Minnie!

The next step is to poke holes through your Mickey Mouse pattern so you can form an outline. After you've removed your pattern from the pumpkin, cut along the holes and that's it! You now have a Mickey Mouse pumpkin that you can show off to your friends and neighbors!

Illuminating Fall Leaf Design

It can also serve as beautiful DIY fall decor.
Fall leaf decor for the home interior. Source: Royalounge

To create your very own illuminating pumpkin, you need to download a leaf template first. Then get your pumpkin and cut the bottom part off. Remove the pulp and seeds after. Then, pin the template in place and trace the design into your pumpkin using a pencil. Make sure you have a tool for pumpkin carving as it will help in cutting out the leaf design that you traced. To make this wonderful display illuminated, add a candle in the middle of the pumpkin.

Diorama Pumpkin

Get inspired by your children’s book reports and create an artistic Halloween diorama display! Use a pumpkin instead of a shoebox. Make sure that you choose large pumpkins as they will give you a larger window to work on. To create the diorama effect, start by cutting out large squares in front of your pumpkins.

From the squares, carve the details and smaller figures. Use toothpicks to re-attach the figures to each pumpkin's surface. Have fun with all of the scenes that you plan on putting up. Multiple pumpkins that have linked scenes make an excellent conversation starter!

Message Pumpkin

Catch Stranger Things 2 on Netflix as well!
Perfect for Halloween decor. Source: Reddit

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a few words can still make a big impact. Our message pumpkin carving idea isn't for beginner carvers. If you think you got what it takes, then take on the challenge! First, choose the message that you want your pumpkin to come with and print it so you can use it as a template. Remember, the bolder it is, the better.

Getting the Message

The next step is to tape the template onto your pumpkin. Take out a needle and imprint the outline of the message onto the skin of your pumpkin. The message will be all up to you. It can be really spooky or cute. Your main goal is to have fun while carving with your kids, friends, and neighbors! You can even compare messages and pick a winner among all the participants.

Related: 7 Easy Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Like these ideas? Which ones are you going to make? Let us know in the comments below!