Halloween Magic: DIY Peter Pan Pumpkin

Halloween season is here! What better way to celebrate than carving a jack-o-lantern? Well, I suppose you could also dress up in an awesome costume or overeat miniaturized candy, but there’s still time for that later. How about a trip to Neverland via pumpkin? Today’s post covers my adventures carving a Peter Pan pumpkin.

Why Peter Pan?

For starters it’s super fun to say Peter Pan Pumpkin, don’t you think? Also, I wanted to carve a Disney-inspired jack-o-lantern that would help me (and you?) smile. What’s happier than a trip to Neverland?

It may have also had something to do with this cute t-shirt I found online. This men’s tee is available at shopDisney, Hot Topic or Fifth Sun. Some of these sites feature a women’s tank version too.

The detail on the t-shirt wasn’t quite sharp enough for me to use as a template, so I found this similar image online to use instead.

I typically like to draw the designs right onto the pumpkin, but Peter was a little too detailed for me to free hand. Instead, I increased the size of the template above and printed it. Then I cut out the characters and attached them to the pumpkin with a glue stick.

I carved Peter Pan first, just to make sure I wasn’t completely crazy for trying this. He turned out okay, so then I added his Darling friends (Wendy, John and Michael).

For each character, I etched the outline of the pattern with a knife before cutting out the shape. It was a slow process and I made a few mistakes. You can make it a tad easier by increasing the size of the templates. Or maybe just carving a bigger Peter Pan?

The piece of pumpkin between John’s arm and his umbrella fell off during carving. (Oops!) He looks a little odd, but you get the idea, right?

Imagination is good for the soul.

I also added two stars to the right, like the path to Neverland, to fit the theme. You could consider adding other details like the outline of Big Ben or block lettering (FLY, DREAM, etc.) if you want to take it to the next level. Or you could skip carving altogether and paint the design. That would look smashing too (Ha! Bad pun!).

Here’s another look at the finished Peter Pan Pumpkin illuminated in daylight.

And another look at night, or um, simulated night in my closet.

My Peter Pan Pumpkin certainly isn’t perfect, but it did make me smile. I hope it has the same effect on you.

I also didn’t hurt myself with a knife while carving it so, you know, hurray for that.

If you’d like to make your own Peter Pan Pumpkin (still fun to say!) you can print the template above. Or, you’re welcome to check out my other Disney-inspired pumpkin ideas here.

I’d love to hear about your adventures too.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a fantastic Halloween!

Add a little (pumpkin) magic to your world!