Try something different this year by "carving" your pumpkins with an electric drill!

This is a super-quick way to get a sophisticated design that's just as effective as the pumpkin's traditional toothy grin.

Find a list of materials and how-tos below.

More Pretty Pumpkins

Color--A--Room

• Medium-size pumpkin
• Sharp knife
• Large spoon for scooping out seeds
• Round stickers
• Electric drill with various-size bits

 

1. In the top of the pumpkin, use a sharp knife to carve out a lid, beveling the cut with the narrower diameter toward the bottom (inside) of the pumpkin.
2. Scoop out the seeds and flesh with a large spoon.
3. Create a pattern for the holes by applying stickers to the pumpkin. These pumpkins have simple vertical rows, small 4-hole diamonds, and linked triangle patterns.
4. When satisfied with the design, use the drill to bore holes through the pumpkin (remove the stickers just before drilling each hole). Different sizes of drill bits will vary the size of the holes for a more decorative effect. We used a cordless variable-speed drill with bits ranging from 5/16 inch to 1/2 inch. For the largest holes we used a 7/8 inch wood auger bit (wider and longer than the standard bit).
5. To light the pumpkin, place a small pillar candle or votives inside the pumpkin and replace the top.
6. Note: Never leave burning candles unattended.

Pumpkin and Roses Centerpiece Project

Painted Pumpkins