Pumpkin Carving - using semi pounce technique

The previous post described how Michelangelo transferred images onto a canvas. I did a similar technique in transferring an image onto a pumpkin for carving.

What you will need:
- gutted pumpkin
- image or stencil of what you wish to carve
- small knife
- sewing pins
- exact o knife or a set of wood carving tools (purchased from Michael's for about $10.00 - highly recommended)

Step One:

Pin the image onto the pumpkin. Only pin in the area where you will need to carve.

Step Two:

Using an exact o knife make little puncture slits along the outline of the image - about 1cm in length and 0.5cm apart. Ensure to cut through the paper onto the surface of the pumpkin. Remove the pins and paper.

Not sure if you are able to see the little slits outlining the image but its there!

Step Three:

Using wood carving tools or a knife connect the dots and carve out your image! I purchased a set of wood carving tools from Michael's several years ago for about $5.00 after the 40% coupon discount  and to me its a really really good investment.

Michaelangelo and the Pouncing Technique

When Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel he used a technique called "poucing" to transfer his images onto the ceiling for painting. He would sketch the drawings on large pieces of paper then puncture tiny holes along the outlines of the images. These large pieces of drawings were then temporary placed onto the ceiling where he would dab a cloth wrapped in chalk along the punctures holes. Once the paper is removed little dots of chalk would be left behind. He would then use a paint brush to connect the dots and paint the image.