Bird-Themed Pumpkin Carving Stencils

Using stencils is a great way to carve pumpkins, and there are many different bird-themed pumpkin carving stencils available for anyone to enjoy, from novice carvers to experienced artists. Whether you enjoy owl pumpkin carving, raven pumpkin stencils, or any other favorite bird species, carving a bird-themed pumpkin can be a fun way to show your love of birds and enjoy Halloween decorations. These stencils can help you create a perfect piece of autumn avian art.

When using a stencil to carve a pumpkin, you can apply the stencil to the pumpkin in several ways:

• Tape the printed stencil to the pumpkin, cutting slits in the paper to help it conform to the round shape of the fruit, then follow the stencil's outline for carving.
• Use an awl, nail, pin, thumbtack, or similar tool to poke holes through the stencil to transfer its design to the pumpkin, then connect those dots when carving the pumpkin.
• Trace the stencil's design onto the pumpkin with a grease pencil, marker, or another writing instrument, then follow those lines while carving.

Most importantly, have fun with the stencil and feel free to improvise to make the most of your pumpkin's unique shape and size. Resizing a stencil before printing can help be sure it is appropriately sized for your pumpkin, or print out the stencil you want to use and take it with you when choosing the best pumpkin.

From funny to spooky to amazingly elaborate, there are many bird-themed stencils that can help you turn a pumpkin into a stunning piece of bird artwork. Try these great designs to enjoy a bird-themed Halloween! Difficulty levels vary, so be sure to check individual stencils to match to your abilities and bird decoration desires. Adobe Acrobat may be necessary to download some .pdf stencil files, and some files are part of larger galleries or slideshows of pumpkin carving stencils.

• Owl on a Branch
• Geometric Horned Owl
• Horned Owl Silhouette
• Owl Orb
• Cute Owl
• Crazy Owl
• Day of the Dead Owl
• Elegant Owl
• Midnight Owl
• Owl Face
• Stylized Owl Mandala
• Intricate Owl Face Mandala
• Simple Owl and Scary Eyes
• Staring Owl Full Body
• Fun Owls in Love
• Cute Owl Face
• Owl Perched on a Skull
• Realistic Owl and Full Moon

• Creepy Crow
• Simple Raven
• Crow on a Branch
• Vulture
• Flying Magpie
• Perched Crow With a Witch Hat
• Raven, Branch, and Moon

• Phoenix
• Angry Birds Game Characters
• Mockingjay Hunger Games Logo
• Twitter Bird Logo
• Daffy Duck
• Roadrunner - Meep! Meep!
• Tux the Linux Penguin

• Songbird on a Branch
• Turkey in Profile
• Turkey With a Big Tail
• Tropical Flamingo With Palm Tree
• Flamingo Pair
• Flying Birds "Beware"
• Big Bird Beak
• Flying Dove
• Simple Dove Silhouette
• Bald Eagle and American Flag
• Romantic Swan Pair
• Romantic Bird and Hearts
• Penguin Family
• Spoonbill Silhouette
• Cute Tufted Titmouse
• Cute Chickadee Simple Pattern
• Feather Trio

Please note: Some sites may require a sign-up or registration to download free stencils.

In addition to these free stencil patterns, you can also make your own pumpkin stencil. Simply print out a coloring page or outline drawing of a bird, or even draw one of your own to transfer to a pumpkin.

While there are plenty of free stencils available, advanced carvers may prefer to purchase more elaborate, unique stencils. Previews of these stencils are available, but each requires a small fee to download the detailed template. Instructions and tips are often included with purchased stencils as well or are available elsewhere on each distributor's website.

• Grave 'n' Raven
• Night Owl
• Mumble the Penguin from Happy Feet
• Seagull
• Flower the Macaw
• Patriotic Bald Eagle
• Sweetheart Swan
• Flamingo Skeleton
• Rooster
• Cartoon Buzzard
• Dove With an Olive Branch
• Hummingbird and Water Lilies
• Duck in a Marshy Pond
• Eagle Silhouette
• Very Elaborate Bird House and Foliage
• Owl-O-Ween
• Artistic Peacock
• Oval Stylized Peacock
• Tropical Parrot
• Perched Raptor
• Round Mosaic Owl Face
• Classy Halloween Owl
• Sesame Street Big Bird

Whether you choose a pre-printed bird-themed stencil or are planning your own, one-of-a-kind bird pumpkin design, there are ways to make pumpkin carving easier.

• Choose an appropriate pumpkin for the design, taking into account size, shape, and proportions that will suit your carving ambitions. Avoid pumpkins that show signs of softening, rotting, or bruising, as they will spoil much more quickly than a fresh, firm fruit.
• Wash the pumpkin first, using a non-scratch sponge if necessary to remove stubborn dirt. Allow the fruit to dry thoroughly before carving to make carving safer and easier.
• Always supervise children when carving a pumpkin, and do not allow children to handle sharp knives without appropriate guidance.
• After removing the top or a cutting an access hole in the back of the pumpkin, scoop out the seeds carefully, leaving a one-inch rind for carving. Pumpkin seeds can be added to bird feeders!
• Take your time carving, and always use the appropriate tools to make the job easier. If carving a detailed stencil, carve small areas before big ones.
• To keep the carved pumpkin from softening and rotting too quickly, soak it briefly in a weak bleach solution and coat cut edges with petroleum jelly to preserve moisture.
• Keep the pumpkin in a shaded, cool place, moving it indoors if necessary to protect it from vandals or hungry wildlife overnight.
• After Halloween, compost the pumpkin or fill it with birdseed for an easy bird feeder so even the birds can enjoy your bird-themed art.

Want to add pumpkins to your outdoor autumn decorations but have no hand for artistic carving? Try these alternative pumpkin decorating methods, combined with bird-themed stencils and pumpkin patterns for unique autumn artwork that will showcase all sorts of amazing birds.