If you are looking for a pumpkin carving projects that’s easy, a little different, and can double for great fall decor as well, pumpkin drilling is for you. You can place these all around the garden and light them with candles (careful!) glow sticks, or even those dollar store led stick up lights. While I think this is safer than using knives to carve, still be very careful using power tools, and know how your drill works and how to keep yourself safe. And if your arm gets tired, give it a rest or take turns… We drilled the pumpkins first, then scooped them afterwards. It seemed to give more stability to the pumpkin while you drill. Yes, your drill bits will get goopy… Just un-goop, and move on. :) However, if you prefer to scoop first, more power to ya! Here’s your tutorial on how to drill pumpkins!
DIY Pumpkin Carving With A Drill
Step One: Create a pattern and use painters tape to help you mark it onto your pumpkin. We used dry erase marker to make the initial marks, then punched with a skewer to make it easier to get the drill going in the right place.
Step Two: Using various sized bits, we drilled straight into the pumpkin at the pre-marked spots. It helps to have someone hold the pumpkin while another person handles the drill.
This is a super fun project! Just make sure you are safe with the drill. More details on our blog. Stop by and check it out!
Enjoyed the project?
Questions on this post
Have a question about this project?
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What did you use for the lights?
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Another person asked about scooping the seeds, and you answered, "That's in step 3" but there is no step 3 that I can find. Could you just please tell us if you scooped out the seeds?
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What kind of drill bit did you use to make the round circles? Does it have a special name?
Comments
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These are so pretty. Who says Halloween has to be scary! I have also seen these same style pumpkins painted in pretty pastels so you can see the designs better during daylight. Thanks for sharing!
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I made this tower several years ago out of 3 craft pumpkins of different sizes, with 1 string of LED orange lights & use it every year!
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A very good idea n looks really good.
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What a refreshingly new idea! Thanx for sharing it!
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If you want really delicate or precise designs, use a small craft drill like a Dremel. They are much easier to hold & easier to control than a full size drill.
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Usually cut top off pumpkin and place potted mums. Going to drill design and wrap string of solar lights inside, then put the pot on top. Thank you for this idea !
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You should see what you can do with a jigsaw
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I did this and added some plastic beads to the smaller holes - turned out cute!
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Cut the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top...."lid" wont fall in or need tooth picks to hold in place. Place candle on a plate, lite it, set pumpkin on top!!
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Triphobia activate!!!
We used LED candles... Hope that helps!
Can also get solar lights - example https://www.amazon.com/easyDecor-Waterproof-D...
I use those LED " puck " lights in a plastic bag (in case it rains).