Decorating a Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween may be done using a stencil to create images for painting or carving. Using a stencil, pumpkin carvers can trace a design or pattern onto the pumpkin, and use the tracing as a guide for carving. There are several resources that can be used to find free printable designs and images that are used to create decorative pumpkins for Halloween. These can be found online at websites, such as PumpkinLady.com, and feature designs that include faces, wording or other images. http://www.pumpkinlady.com/plwp/free-pumpkin-carving-patterns/Pumpkin carving kits may also include free patterns and designs for carving with the purchase of carving tools. http://www.pumpkincarvingkits.com/ Free clip art may also be used to create stencils for pumpkin carving.

Traditional themes for Halloween pumpkin carving stencils include the basic Jack-o-Lantern face, witches, bats and even haunted houses. Stencils can be found in a wide variety of styles. Halloween pumpkins in 2010 might feature characters from the Tim Burton movie, Alice In Wonderland, pop characters such as Michael Jackson or other music artists, political figures such as President Obama or characters from the Twilight movie series, particularly New Moon, which can be found online at sites such as QuileuteWolfpack.com. http://quileutewolfpack.com/newsblog/?p=11448 You may also be able to find themed stencils at official websites such as the Star Wars site that also provides detailed instructions with each download. http://www.starwars.com/kids/activity/crafts/f20051027/index.html

The website StoneySkins.com has an extensive library containing many character stencils and themed styles. In addition to designs that can be printed for free, there are also a variety of themes that can be purchased in sets or individually for $1.50 each. http://www.stoneykins.com/