![halloween pumpkin decoration with laser](/static_processed/6f57f7e8dce501a9fdfe36bcfb3dc328/.png?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/hole-the-pumpkin-teaser.png","edits":{"resize":{"width":1280,"height":640,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
Create a unique
Jack-o-Lantern for Halloween
Nothing signifies Halloween like a glowing Jack o'Lantern with a unique pattern. In this tutorial we show you how to create a unique Halloween pumpkin using a laser.
Preparation
Required material
- pumpkin
- pumpkin carving kit or sharp knife and large spoon or ice cream scoop
- strong tape
- tooth brush
- candle or LED lights
Used Trotec Laser
- Speedy 400
- 80 watts
- 2 inch lens
![](/static_processed/fddc207e058574961339ff5a723e67f6/.pdf?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/_processed_/3/9/csm_halloween-pumpkin_da419c8714.png","edits":{"resize":{"width":630,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
Step by step
![hollow the pumpkin](/static_processed/0c8a18c46c145f329120e3c4ff7a1ded/.JPG?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/finished-jacko-lantern.JPG","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "finished-jacko-lantern.JPG")
Step 1: Find a perfect pumpkin
Buy a pumpkin from your local supermarket or farm shop. Try to find one that's a good size with little visible damage or marks. The perfect pumpkin has a smooth surface and a uniform coloring.
![settings-pumpkin.jpg](/static_processed/6655f52300d6fc76add1a7e90a06ee5d/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/settings-JobControl-pumpkin.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "settings-JobControl-pumpkin.jpg")
Step 2: Place the pumpkin in the laser
Put the pumpkin in the laser and position it with some tape, if necessary. Open our template or design your own pattern, and then send the file to the laser.
Parameters used:
Engraving: Power: 100% - Speed: 25% - Frequency: AUTO - Air Assist: ON - Passes: 2
For a perfect engraving result, we've activated the "High Quality" option.
![clean pumpkin after the laser process](/static_processed/49a098db71978cbb4636ce42a23afa4a/.JPG?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/wash-pumping-after-engraving.JPG","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "wash-pumping-after-engraving.JPG")
Step 3: Clean the pumpkin
After laser engraving, it is necessary to clean the pumpkin with lukewarm water and a toothbrush to remove any residue.
![get a knife and a spoon to hollow the pumpkin](/static_processed/b223032c3510fe0d07c2e6f09641a946/.JPG?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/preparing-tools.JPG","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "preparing-tools.JPG")
Step 4: Prepare tools
Take a sharp knife and a spoon. You will also need two bowls - one for the seeds and the other one for pumpkin pulp.
![laserengraved skull on pumpkin](/static_processed/c90c003e53cd049a021746025a97d04a/.JPG?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/hole-the-pumpkin.JPG","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "hole-the-pumpkin.JPG")
Step 5: Hollowing
Cut out the lid at the top of the pumpkin and take all the seeds and the pumpkin strings.You can use a spoon, but it is easier just using your hands.
After that use a spoon to clean out the inside of the pumpkin. Scrape away the walls and put the pumpkin pulp into the second bowl.
![engraving halloween pumpkin](/static_processed/1c02f9d476222e7b836972e0d44de72f/.JPG?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/let-it-low-laserengraved-pumpkin.JPG","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "let-it-low-laserengraved-pumpkin.JPG")
Step 6: Let it glow
Wipe the inside of the pumpkin down with a kitchen sponge. Place a candle or a LED-light inside the pumpkin and close the lid. Now your spooky pumpkin is ready for Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
![place a candle inside and let the pumpkin glow](/static_processed/d37d9f0630e90d025b1a1c34112164da/.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/knowledge/diy-samples/jack-o-lantern/laser-cut-jack-o-lantern.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}} "laser-cut-jack-o-lantern.jpg")
Tips and Tricks:
Sprinkle some cinnamon on the underside of the lid. Some people claim this makes the pumpkin last longer. Hollowing out the pumpkin can be quite exhausting. An ice cream scoop can make your job easier.
Don't thow the pumpkin pulp away - keep it and cook a delicious soup.
![](/static_processed/5b58a61a467804661df93e96a66f70dc/laser-engraver-speedy-400-left.png?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/Laser_Machines/Speedy_Series/laser-engraver-speedy-400-left.png","edits":{"extract":{"top":142,"left":497,"width":933,"height":393},"resize":{"width":650,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
![](/static_processed/39b137145fe3b080cdb057970b3d2919/contact-ferdinand.jpg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/contact/contact-ferdinand.jpg","edits":{"resize":{"width":194,"height":194,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
![](/static_processed/8441e87527d1605700a2e1442ea8f117/tluk_2024_print_cut_event_edinburgh_october_popup.jpeg?{"image":"https://backend.troteclaser.com/static/images/events/en-gb/2024-Print_Cut-Events/TLUK_2024_Print_Cut_event_Edinburgh_October_PopUp.jpeg","edits":{"resize":{"width":480,"height":480,"fit":"cover"}},"outputFormat":{"format":"webp"}})
