We were absolutely thrilled when Co-op LiveManchester got in touch with a special commission: to create an etched pumpkin for the Duran Duran concert on Halloween night!
This wasn’t just any pumpkin. The brief was for one of our signature “etched” carvings, a technique that creates stunning, detailed images.
But what is an etched pumpkin? And why does it look so different from the pumpkins you’re used to seeing? We want to take you behind the scenes of this project and show you the magic of this unique art form.
The Art of the Etch: More Than Just Carving
Most pumpkins you see are “stencil” or “cut-through” carvings, where a design is cut all the way through the pumpkin. This is great for bold, graphic logos or spooky faces that look good in a lit or unlit room.
An etched pumpkin is something else entirely.
Instead of cutting, we meticulously “shave” and sculpt the pumpkin’s skin and flesh in multiple layers. This technique allows us to create intricate details, soft highlights, and realistic shadows, much like a 3D portrait.
To get this level of detail, we actually carve them in the dark with a light inside the pumpkin. This lets us see exactly how the light is passing through the different thicknesses of the pumpkin flesh, ensuring every shadow and highlight is perfect.
The “Big Reveal”: An Etched Pumpkin Needs Darkness to Shine
Here is the most important part of an etched pumpkin, and it’s what makes them so special:
In a normally lit room, an etched pumpkin can look subtle, rough, or even “unfinished.”
You might see the carved lines, but you won’t see the magic. The design is not meant to be seen in daylight.
The “wow” moment comes when you follow these two simple steps:
Place a bright LED light inside the pumpkin.
Turn off all the lights in the room.
Instantly, the pumpkin comes to life. The internal light illuminates the thinly shaved areas, and the thicker parts create detailed, deep shadows. The entire image glows with a spectacular, 3D-like effect that you simply can’t get with a traditional carving.
When to Choose an Etched Pumpkin
Because they require a dark environment, etched pumpkins are perfect for specific, high-impact uses:
📸 PR & Social Media: They are designed to be photographed beautifully in the dark, creating stunning, shareable images for a brand.
🎉 Special Events: Placed in a darkened entryway or as a centrepiece in a dimly lit party, they are an incredible “wow” factor that will have guests talking.
We were so proud to create this piece for Co-op Live and Duran Duran, and we hope it added a special touch of Halloween magic to their concert.
Thinking about a brought to life pumpkin for your brand or event? Contact us to find out more
