Black Cat Pumpkin Porch Sitter
Turn a no-carve pumpkin into a watchful porch cat. Use a faux pumpkin to keep your decoration for future Halloweens.
Make it step by step
Prepare the pumpkin
Wipe away dirt and dust and let the pumpkin dry. Choose a real pumpkin without soft spots. Set it on scrap paper with its best side facing forward.
Paint the cat
Apply a thin coat of black paint everywhere except the bottom. Let it dry, then add a second coat where the original color shows through. Paint the stem or leave it natural.
Cut the ears
Cut two matching triangles from weather-resistant foam or corrugated plastic. Round the outside corners slightly and add a small flat tab at each base for gluing.
Attach the ears
Glue the ears near the top, spaced evenly around the stem. Hold them until the adhesive grips, then let it cure according to the label.
Create a face
Draw almond-shaped eyes, a small triangle nose, a curved mouth, and three whisker dots on each cheek. Reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark paint can brighten the eyes.
Add whiskers
Cut six short chenille stems or pieces of covered wire. Glue three on each side of the nose, angled slightly up and down. Fold wire ends inward.
Make a tail
Shape a longer stem or covered wire into a loose question mark. Twist several stems together for a fuller tail, then glue one end to the back or lower side.
Finish for display
Let all parts dry. Add a ribbon collar or charm. Use an outdoor sealer only if compatible with every material. Place on a sheltered porch, clear of standing water.