Halloween cover for outside lights

Marie Entz
by Marie Entz
Does anyone have any ideas about how I could get some sort of decorative cover for the light by my front door and on either side of my garage door? I was thinking of maybe a pumpkin? Getting one from the dollar store and cutting it in half occurred to me, but they're too opaque, no light would shine through.

  5 answers
  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Oct 13, 2017

    the little plastic $ store pumpkins are fairly translucent -- cut to fit over the entire fixture so they won't be too close to a bulb unless you are using LED bulbs --

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Oct 13, 2017

    Actually I just did this for my front lights after another Hometalker posted it. There is a lot of light that shows through and I had no problem navigating my front steps when I took a picture last night. Here's the link:

    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/pumpkins/diy-pumpkin-pail-light-covers-32423103

  • Why not try buying some inexpensive plastic pumpkin and cutting them so that they fit over the lights? My neighbor managed it and it looked great last year.


  • 27524803 27524803 on Oct 13, 2017

    I have used this process before: Use a very large balloon ... the larger the balloon you start with allows you to adjust the size and allows for less tension on the surface. so is less likely to pop... or use a small deflate-able ball. Tie a string around the knotted opening

    Use orange (or whatever color you want) tissue paper cut into 1 inch strips

    Dip the tissue into LIQUID starch...do not dilute it.. (dry starch mixed with water does not work as well) and apply all around the balloon... squeegee off strips by pulling thru fingers...just leaving a very small area around the "stem" When the balloon is covered about 3-4 layers... hang by string and let dry completely.... this is not something you want to start Halloween morning... Paint face as desired and fit to your light fixture

    NOTE: the finished product will not be waterproof.. brush with a coat of white glue (one that dries clear) or Spray with several coats of clear sealer to give it water resistance (against rain or dew)

    If you do a ghost... use gauze, cheesecloth, or a white plastic bag cut into strips that will move in the wind

    This is a great project to do with the kids... a group of ghosts hanging from the porch or trees would look great

  • Marie Entz Marie Entz on Oct 13, 2017

    Oh, that sounds fun. I remember doing this sort of thing back when I was a kid, and I'd completely forgotten about it. I'm babysitting my grandson this weekend; maybe this is something we can do together.