With the general election only three weeks away, many creative citizens are turning to political pumpkin carvings to advertise their candidate of choice this Halloween.
Where To Download Political Pumpkin Stencils
Widespread use of the internet has resulted in thousands of free, available pumpkin stencils, but perhaps none are more interesting and unique than political stencils, created primarily by supporters of each candidate. Below are a few links to help you navigate to a political stencil for this year’s pumpkin.
- Barack Obama: One site, inspired by Obama’s infamous 2005 “Yes We Can” speech, offers dozens of pro-Obama stencils for your pumpkin. In addition to Obama’s name and symbol—a fancy letter ‘O’—the creators have recently unveiled a series of Halloween-inspired stencils, including a stencil of ‘Obama’ with tiny ghosts as the letter ‘A,’ the words ‘Vote’ and ‘Hope’ with a pumpkin as the letter ‘O,’ and even the word ‘Boo’ with Obama’s signature letter ‘O’ as stand-ins for the letter. The site even features a ‘Photo of the Day’ with an Obama supporter and their carved pumpkin. All stencils are available to download and print in black and white on standard printer paper. Check it out today!
- John McCain: The Associated Press has helped to create over a dozen political stencils, including both John McCain and Sarah Palin’s face. The website also includes a stencil of the “McCain Palin” logo used on pro-McCain bumper stickers and the Republican party’s elephant logo. All stencils are available to download and print in black and white on standard printer paper.
- Both: One bipartisan website offers a wide array of general election stencils for a minimal subscription fee, and includes American flag, Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam and fireworks stencils. The site also offers more challenging stencils which support both candidates.
Assembling Your Pumpkin
- After printing out your design, align the stencil on the flattest side of your pumpkin and tape to secure.
- Using an X-acto knife or Sharpie permanent marker, trace the design onto your pumpkin, pressing hard with either tool to secure a fluid transportation of the design.
- Remove the paper stencil and carve the pumpkin using a clean, sharp knife or other pumpkin carving tools.
- After carving, use a spoon or spatula to remove excess goo from the inside of your pumpkin, and consider toasting your pumpkin seeds (350 degrees for roughly 25 minutes) for a healthy snack--perhaps to enjoy while watching tonight's final presidential debate!
- Set a tea light in the center of your pumpkin and light it as the sky grows dark.
- Place your pumpkin where others might see it, including a step or walkway. Remember not to carry your pumpkin by the stem, as the stem is fragile and may cause your pumpkin to drop and break.
Equipped with the right stencils and tools, this year's pumpkin may thrill--or even spook!---your neighbors and guests more than a traditional ghost or witch's face might.
Amy Butcher - Welcome! I am currently a senior at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and am double-majoring in Creative Writing and ...
