The art of pumpkin stencils has really become a personal art form over the last several years. Previously, the only pumpkin stencils available have been by Pumpkin Masters. Few have dared to break away and create their own stencils for public use – Jammin Pumpkins is one of these. JP’s has exclusively created a pattern for Oct31st.org and has also offered an additional five FREE patterns for everyone to download. I had the pleasure of speaking with JP all about his website; read the entire interview continued below. The downloads-section has been updated and reorganized; I also added a brand new Witches Brew wine label, enjoy!

Adam: Hi JP! It’s a pleasure to be able to ask you some questions about your Pumpkin Stencil website.

JP: Hey, Adam! Good to be here, thanks for asking me to come by.

Adam: How did you get started doing pumpkin stencils? I read on your website FAQ that is was because of your artistic ability? Do you remember any of the first stencils you created?

JP: I started just doing them for myself to save money – I had a carving kit, and about halfway through the actual carving process I had this “Aha!” moment. The saws do the work, and as long as there are no “floating” dark pieces, I could just draw these things myself. I waited until the next season and gave it a shot. The first 2 I did were Pinky & The Brain.

Adam: When doing your first stencils, what was the response from family, friends etc?

JP: The response was positive from the beginning. The stencils in the kits were good, but when I told people that I actually drew the patterns out myself, the response was even greater. In fact, I would have started my site several years earlier than I did if I actually thought it would take off.

Adam: Speaking of pumpkin kits, do you have any favorite carving tools you prefer to use?

JP: I use a homemade tool that can be made easily and has better results that the ones in the kit. Just check the How To section of my site.

Adam: How long does it take you to start and finish a pattern?

JP: It all depends on the pattern. Some take only 15 minutes, others take hours & hours of tweaks and do-overs. Still others I started years ago, but something just didn’t look right… and they have been on the “unfinished” shelf ever since.

Adam: What is one thing people don’t know about the creation of stencils?

JP: Hmmmm…. Great question. I guess it’s the fact that some of the simplest to carve stencils are often the ones that take the longest to create.

Adam: How do you decide what stencils are going to be created every year?

JP: That’s the best part about being the only one in charge of “creative control,” If I think it’s a good idea, I do it. I try to keep up with what’s popular in horror movies, pop culture and kid’s shows, but I’ll admit that many of my patterns are done simply because I want to create them, even if i don’t think it will be wildly popular. (Sini-Star, anyone?)

Adam: Do you take pattern suggestions? How can people contact you to suggest pattern ideas?

JP: Absolutely! Simply drop me an email jp@jamminpumpkins.com

Adam: Can you give us any hints on what stencils you might be creating this year?

JP: Sorry, Adam. Some things you just have to wait for.

Adam: Do you plan in advance what stencils you would like to do?

JP: Yes and no. I definately make notes about what what might be popular when Halloween rolls around. But I always prefer to actually make the designs during the “pumpkin season,” (September & October) my creativity seems to just flow better during that part of the year.

Adam: Have you done any custom stencils for people? If so, what kinds?

JP: Tons of them. The majority tend to be regular people like you and me. Usually kids, loved ones and coworkers/bosses. Although my favorites are the ones that are Halloween-Ish, but just not something that I would be doing for the Member’s Section.

Adam: How many pumpkins do you carve for Halloween?

JP: Not too many, the last few years were between 8-12 . Well, that’s not many compared to some carvers. I always design way more than I can carve each season.

Adam: Do you carve the top or the bottom of the pumpkin? I have never tried carving the bottom before, it seems more “traditional” to carve the top.

JP: The only time I have cut the bottom was on a foam pumpkin I did. That was also the ONLY foam pumpkin I have ever carved, I much prefer the real thing.

Adam: Do you have any favorite stencils you have done or stencils you repeatedly carve?

JP: I’m a cat lover and I have carved Pouncer a few times. Also, the Evil Dead Skull turned out particularly well, it received the most compliments when on display last year, I may have to do that one again.

Adam: Aside from stencils, do you enjoy Halloween? Do you decorate for it?

JP: The main decor for me is carved pumpkins. Unfortunately, we live in a condo community which isn’t good for trick-or-treating. So I don’t do alot of decoration at my place. We usually trek over to another family member’s house and bring the pumpkins and help hand out candy.

Adam: Do you have any favorite Halloween movies?

JP: I’m actually not a real big fan of the horror genre. If “scary & suspensful” counts, then anything from the “Alien” franchise.

Adam: Do you have any plans for Jammin Pumpkin’s in the future?

JP: Right now the plan is to keep delivering new, high-quality carve-through patterns. Period. My site isn’t flashy or clogged up with banners or anything like that. It’s just me and my patterns, and I think that’s what most of my customers are looking for.

Adam: In closing, do you have any comments for the readers?

JP: Yes I do. This season, a portion of my profits will go to support FAAN. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxix Network. Earlier this year, my 2 year old daughter, Molly, was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of anaphylactic shock due to a severe allergic reaction to peanuts. Thankfully she made it through OK, and it really opened our eyes. My family and I are walking to support this worthy cause on November 6 in San Diego. So join Jammin’ Pumpkins today, and you will also be joining Team Molly to raise awareness of food allergies and their potential dangers. http://www.foodallergywalk.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_why

Adam: Thank you JP for the exclusive pattern and the freebie patterns for everyone to download. It is wonderful to see more people promoting Halloween all over the internet. The spirit that Jammin Pumpkin’s has that helps keep Halloween alive!

JP: Thanks for the compliments, and thanks for having me on, and have a Jammin’ Halloween!

Thanks JP, Happy Halloween! Be sure to check out Jamminpumpkins.com