If you’re looking for a different way to show off your love for Halloween and video games, look no further than pumpkin carving!
I searched for 40 different pumpkin carving designs inspired by popular video games. From Mario to Minecraft, there’s a design for every gamer out there.
So grab a pumpkin, and some carving tools, and get ready to create a spooky masterpiece that showcases your love for video games.
Our 40 Go-To Video Game Pumpkin Carvings
As we approach the spooky season, we absolutely love to showcase our passion for video games through pumpkin carving. Without further ado, here are our top 40 video game pumpkin carving ideas, guaranteed to impress your fellow gamers this Halloween.
Majora’s Mask
Vault Boy
World of Warcraft Logo
Pikachu
Mario
Bowser
Luigi
Mortal Combat
Charizard
Diablo
One Piece
Xbox
Playstation Logo
Triforce Logo
Minecraft
Yoshi
Link
Halo Master Chief
Death Star
BB-8 Droid
Darth Vader
Horde Symbol
Alliance Symbol
Playstation Symbols
Mario Boo
Xbox Controller
Sackboy
Portal
Mega Man
Creeper
Fortnite
Gengar
Haunter
Gastly
Mario Star
Pacman
Tetris
Super Mushroom
Xbox Controller
Among Us
Materials Needed
Ready to take your Halloween decorations to the next level with video game pumpkin carving? We’re here to help!
Choosing Your Pumpkin
When selecting a pumpkin for your masterpiece, keep these tips in mind:
- Opt for a pumpkin with a smooth surface for easier design transfer, and ideally one with no spots, bruises, or mold.
- Ensure your pumpkin has a flat base, so it sits level when displayed.
- Larger pumpkins give you more room for intricate designs while smaller pumpkins are best for simpler patterns.
Basic Carving Tools
To get the job done, you’ll need a variety of tools:
- Pumpkin carving kits, which usually include a small saw, scoop, and poker.
- Additional knives or cutting tools, such as paring knives or linoleum cutters for detailed work.
- A sturdy spoon or ice cream scoop for removing the pumpkin’s insides.
- Towels or newspapers to help keep the mess contained.
Design Templates
Now it’s time to choose your design! There are countless video game-inspired templates to choose from but here are a few sources to help you get started:
- Pumpkin Pile offers a variety of video game patterns with summarized carving instructions and challenge ratings.
- GameSkinny provides 21 nerdtastic designs with stencils included.
- Shelterness showcases 37 creative pumpkin carvings for inspiration.
Short Step By Step Carving Guide
For all who don’t know how to carve a pumpkin here are some steps to start.
Design Transfer
First, you’ll need to choose a design. Search online for templates, or create your own on a piece of paper. Once you’ve selected a design, clean and dry the pumpkin to ensure a smooth canvas.
Tape the design to the pumpkin, and use a transfer tool, like a pen or toothpick, to trace the design onto the pumpkin’s surface. Gently push through the paper, creating small holes that outline the design.
Initial Carving Steps
Before carving, we recommend cutting a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, rather than the top. This makes it easier to fit a light source inside later. With a sharp knife, carefully carve along the traced lines of your design.
- Tip: Use small, steady sawing motions rather than deep cuts to avoid breaking the pumpkin.
As you carve, remove large sections first, and then work your way towards the finer details. Make sure to periodically clean the pumpkin’s interior as you go, keeping the workspace tidy.
Fine Tuning and Detailing
Now it’s time to add the finishing touches to your video game pumpkin carving. Here are some additional techniques to consider:
- Shading: Rather than completely carving out certain sections, gently scrape away the pumpkin’s surface layer to create various shades and depth in the design.
- Smoothing: Use a fine sandpaper or a small, flat tool to smooth out rough edges and create cleaner lines in your carving.
- Embellishments: Add features like hair, clothing, or accessories to your character using toothpicks, small wood skewers, or wire to attach additional pieces of pumpkin.
With these steps, you will have created a unique and impressive video game-inspired pumpkin carving to display this Halloween. Enjoy showing off your creation to friends and family!
Safety Tips During Carving
Here are some safety tips to keep while carving your favorite video game characters.
Choose the right tools – Avoid using kitchen knives and opt for specialty tools specifically designed for pumpkin carving. These kits are readily found online and in convenience stores, and they provide better control, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Prepare your workspace – Carve in a clean, dry, and well-lit area. Wash and dry all your carving tools, cutting surface, and of course, your hands, before starting. Moisture can cause slipping, which can lead to injuries.
Opt for a dull-bladed knife – Despite what you might think, a sharper knife isn’t actually better for pumpkin carving. A sharp knife may go into the pumpkin easily but can get stuck when you want to remove it, increasing the risk of accidents.
Use smooth, short strokes – When carving, avoid long, forceful cuts. Instead, use smooth and short cutting strokes, which provide greater control and precision.
Displaying Your Video Game Pumpkin
We absolutely love video game pumpkin carving! It’s an amazing way to show off our gaming passion during Halloween.
First things first, find a prominent spot to showcase your video game pumpkin. This could be on your porch, by your front door, or even in your living room window. Make sure it’s a well-lit area so others can clearly see the design.
Next, consider placing your carved pumpkin on a small table or stack of hay bales for added height. This not only makes it more visible but also creates an interesting visual effect. Don’t forget to put a protective layer underneath the pumpkin to avoid any messes, especially if it’s indoors.
To level up your display, add some themed decorations around your pumpkin. For example, you could print out some video game characters from your favorite games and attach them to the backdrop. You might also find related props or create simple DIY decorations for an extra touch.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of lighting. Use an LED candle or battery-operated lights for a safe and stunning glow. Choose colors that match the theme of your video game pumpkin carving to further enhance its presence.
Have I Ever Carved a Pumpkin?
Yes, I have. In my childhood, I carved a pumpkin with my mum. But I didn`t carve a so great video game pumpkin.
That’s why I got a bit of a taste for the different motifs by researching them and really feel like carving a pumpkin like this for Halloween.
How are you? Feel free to write in the comments which motifs you would like the most.
FAQ
What tools do I need to carve a pumpkin for my favorite video game character?
You will need a pumpkin carving kit, a stencil of your chosen character, a sharp knife, a scoop, and a marker.
How do I transfer a video game character stencil onto my pumpkin?
Tape the stencil onto the pumpkin, then use a marker to trace the design onto the pumpkin’s surface.
How do I make sure my pumpkin carving lasts longer?
After carving, coat the inside and outside of the pumpkin with petroleum jelly and keep it in a cool, dry place.
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