Watermelon: 16 Creative Carving Tips

on August 15, 2013
Bailey Fuqua

Watermelon: 16 Artistic and Creative Carving Tips

Instead of playing it safe with a plain, simply sliced watermelon, try getting creative with one of these 16 fun and artistic carving ideas. Not only will it provide a unique spin on a classic summer stable, but will be a refreshing treat everyone can enjoy!

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Turtle

Whether it’s a luau on the beach or neighborhood pool party, you can make a splash with this cute sea creature. Make the turtle look like it’s surfing by filling the middle with ocean colored fruit like blueberries, red grapes and kiwi.

Learn how to make this watermelon turtle:

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Owl

Heads will spin for this easy-to-make watermelon creation! Oreos (mini and regular) are perfect for creating the wide-eyed owl eyes. Fill the back with your favorite fruits or fruit salad for a tasty twist on a summer staple.

Learn how to make this watermelon owl

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Keg

Watermelon isn’t just for kids! Turn your child’s favorite fruit into a refreshing summer treat for all ages! Fill a hollowed-out watermelon with your favorite punch, juice, or alcoholic beverage (only for the adults, of course). You can purchase the spigot at any hardware store or online.

Learn how to make this watermelon keg

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Car

Go for a ride in this cute watermelon convertible. Fill the car with a variety of fruit or get creative by adding small dolls or action figures. Adding stripes and a number can transform the convertible into a sporty racecar perfect for a boy’s birthday party!

Learn how to make this watermelon car

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Shark

Everyone will run for the shore when you serve this tasty watermelon shark! Get creative and fill the mouth with Swedish Fish and other sea creature gummies. For the eyes, try olives, blueberries, black M&Ms or even black jellybeans to capture the shark’s deadly stare. Don’t let this design scare you, our interns tried their hand at creating this scary melon and rated it as a fairly simple design to create.

Learn how to make this watermelon shark

Courtesy of "Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons"

Overturned Turtle

You only need half a watermelon to create this super easy turtle! Simply cut the melon in half, add a head, feet and tail and voilà, you have an up-side-down turtle! Easy (and almost as tasty) as pie!

Learn how to make this turtle

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Sailboat

Set sail with this simple watermelon carving. Add an action figure or small doll to help steer the ship and decorate the plate with Swedish Fish and other sea creature gummies to make this realistic and tasty summer treat!

Learn how to make the watermelon sailboat

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Hedgehog

Toothpicks make this hedgehog or porcupine easy to create and even easier to eat! Add blueberries for the eyes and nose and watch this cute critter quickly scurry from the table to the plates of your guests!

Learn how to make watermelon hedgehog

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Minion

You can create one of Gru’s little minions from “Despicable Me 2.” While this watermelon requires more supplies and skill than the other designs, be encouraged that the end result is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids and their parents too.

Learn how to make this Watermelon Minion

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Flowering Garden

You don’t need a green thumb to create this flowering garden! While this design may look difficult, by using any variety and quantity of fruits, you can grow a beautiful flower field at any skill level.

Learn to make this watermelon garden

Courtesy of Juice Bits:

Watermelon Monster

Don’t be afraid of this goofy monster! With a banana nose and kiwi eyes, this watermelon has a lot of creative potential. Give the creature Twizzler hair or candy corn teeth to add a fun or scary twist.

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Rabbit

This cute rabbit requires a little more skill to create but is perfect for a picnic or potluck. Fill the bunny with melon or cantaloupe balls, blueberries and strawberries for a colorful, festive and delicious fruit salad.

Learn how to make this watermelon rabbit

Watermelon Frog

A watermelon frog is another fast and easy design that will have your friends turning green with envy. Simply carve and hollow out a mouth and create the eyes and tongue from the leftover pieces. This effortless design is a great option if your kids want to help out in the kitchen.

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Football Helmet

Whether it’s a snack before pee wee football practice, or a treat at a Saturday tailgate, this festive helmet will surely be a hit with football fans. Get creative and specialize the side of the helmet with your favorite team’s logo or a player’s number. Learn how to make the football helmet

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Fish

Sure to be a splash at your next picnic, this watermelon fish is one of the easier designs to create. Simply hollow out the side and fill it with a variety of fruits to create a tasty summer treat.

Learn how to make this watermelon fish

Courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Beach Basket

Put a twist on the classic watermelon basket to create this fun, summer beach bucket! Fill your pail with brown sugar, Swedish Fish, and fruit shaped starfish, crabs and shells for a decorative summer-time treat!

Learn how to make this beach basket