Lay out your pumpkins on a tarp and position them to mimic the shape of a bonfire. Once arranged, mark a dot on each pumpkin where the flame will start.
Lightly pencil flame shapes onto the pumpkin sides. Keep them partial—don't extend to the top or bottom—for a realistic effect.
Use a sharp carving knife or pumpkin tool to carefully cut along your pencil lines, creating the flame outlines.
Gently pop out the carved flame pieces and smooth any rough edges for a clean finish.
Realign the pumpkins at your display spot. For foam pumpkins, add rocks or weights to the base to prevent shifting as you stack.
Photo by Lindsay Raymondjack
For your Halloween event, insert battery-operated tea lights and glow sticks inside each pumpkin—use 3 to 6 per piece. Reveal the magic after dark for a bonfire glow.
