Make Beautiful Pumpkin Luminaries in 4 Easy Steps

This Old House Magazine


Check out what we did with a drill, some pumpkins, and a couple of strings of Christmas lights. Studded with tiny bulbs in swirling or geometric designs, the gourds shown here make brilliant use of white and orange outdoor bulbs (for the most bang for your buck, use energy-efficient LED bulbs)-plus they look far more sophisticated than the average toothy jack-o'-lantern. Come trick-or-treat time, simply plug this crop into your nearest power outlet to illuminate even the blackest night. Here's how to do it in just 4 steps.

1. Hollow out your pumpkin
(For detailed step, and access to shopping and tools lists, click the image)





2. Draft and transfer your pattern


(For detailed step, and access to shopping and tools lists, click the image)





3. Drill holes
(For detailed step, and access to shopping and tools lists, click the image)





4. Pop in the lights


(For detailed step, and access to shopping and tools lists, click the image)






More from thisoldhouse.com
5 Steps to Pumpkin Carving Success
Inspirational Pro Pumpkin Carvings
Editors' Picks: The Best Pumpkin Carvings Ever