“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.”
- Francis Bacon

Thursday, October 08, 2009

♥Wee, little punkin's add a whimsical touch to your fall window boxes♥



The first pumpkin is fun. The second was even better. By the third, there was some serious laughter, and we’re supposed to be grown-ups. Carving these irresistible wee punkins' is a super-simple, quick, entertaining project, regardless of your age. Try grouping your pumpkins in a window box, terra-cotta pot, or other container. Add some flowers and foliage to the mix, and you’ll have a ball. They are also adorable lining your walk way for guests as they arrive for your All Hallow's Eve festivities.

Pumpkin Pedestals
Make several of these holders for each window box or container. Before adding the pumpkins, fill your container with colorful autumn favorites such as mums, marigolds, black-eyed Susans, and ivy. Vary the heights of the holders for a spooky display.

Measure and saw the dowel to the desired length. When pushed into the soil, the top of the dowel should be just above the tops of all plants.

Hammer one twist nail through the center of a can lid. Now, flip it over (so the nail sticks up to hold the pumpkin in place), and use two twist nails to fasten the lid to one end of the dowel. Spray-paint the holder black, and push it into the soil of the window box or other container.

Face the Pumpkin
You’ve probably carved pumpkins before but maybe not one this tiny. Here is what I learned.  Place the pumpkin on a firm surface, and remove the top with a sharp paring knife.

Scoop out the innards with a teaspoon.

You can use a knife to cut the face, but small canapé cutters make it much easier to create lots of great shapes.* Fashion your faces. Then, press each pumpkin onto the twist nail on each stand. Add a tea light candle inside, light it, and put the lid on at an angle to allow heat to escape while keeping the light contained. Remember to check on them often; candles must be used with care.

*I used my heart, star and moon cutters to add a little whimsy. I also had a dog and a cat that looked adorable!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great idea!! I suppose you could even purchase some artificial ones from a craft store!! They look so "Fall"!!
Have a Great Day!
Love,
Marilyn

A Southern Rose said...

They are so cute! I love this idea.

Midwest Mom said...

Gosh! They look little enough for birthday candles. :D

If you're nervous about using open flame, would the battery-powered tealights work in them?

(Your photo is darling.)

- Julia at Midwest Moms

Regina said...

Hello Mimi. Nice post!

Sarah said...

How clever and how cute! I think I'll make some of these for my front door pots. Thanks for the idea! ~ Sarah

Mrs. Cherry Heart said...

Oh my gosh these are soooooo CUTE!
I have been wanting to do something for my kitchen window box that I see every time I look out the window...these cuties could be looking into the window too!

Thanks for sharing!

Hugz,
Dolly

p.S. I love just south of you.... I;d love to see pictures of the home you are restoring!