Halloween Pumpkin Inspiration: Photo Galleries and Free Templates

When it comes to Halloween pumpkin carving, most of us feel fortunate to be able to cut the basic shapes for our Jack-o-lanterns. Then there are those who are able to create incredibly detailed illustrations for their pumpkin faces.

Others use their cut-outs to add 3D texture to their pumpkin designs. Or, they add outside materials, such as gourd pumpkins or witch's hats to give their designs more pizzaz.

Photo Galleries

The Filigree Pumpkin has a crazy jumble of abstract lines and cuts that make it a work of art. I'm not sure what the owner set inside his or her pumpkin, but the light shows off the thickness of the cuts to give the design intense power. You will find other cool designs in this slideshow of pictures, so take a look and print out your favorites.

DeviantArt is a great resource to get design ideas. Check out the carvings from these artists.

Extreme Pumpkins has a good variety plus free pumpkin patterns.

DIY Network's Extreme Halloween Pumpkin Photo Gallery has some frightening designs (really) that will inspire you.

Templates

You will find all kinds of templates online to create fantastic designs for your pumpkins. Here are some to get you started.

BHG.com Animals, assorted ideas, carving basics, creative ideas, decorative pumpkins, faces, letters (headstone engravings and monograms), pumpkin creatures, pumpkin stencils, pumpkin towers, and scary/funny faces.

FamilyFun Has a variety of cute designs that are easy to make. You will also find recipes to make 3D designs out of your pumpkins.

Pumpkin Masters has four free patterns that you can download. My favorite is the Ichabod's Fate.

Nick Jr. Pumpkin Stencils has printable templates that you can use help your kids carve pumpkins of their favorite Nick Jr. characters.

Reader's Digest has 12 printable pumpkin carving stencils that are very simple to create. Go through the slide show to find the design you like the best, and then click on the download link.

Celebrating Halloween has a good selection of templates as well as a pumpkin carving photo gallery.