Drilled Halloween pumpkins are all over my Pinterest news feed at the moment. More stylish than spooky, they create a really beautiful lantern effect as the light escapes through the miniature holes. Gold and cookie cutter designs are also becoming popular pins.
So I grabbed my drill, spray can and hammer and gave it a go:
DRILLED PUMPKINS
GOLD PUMPKINS
COOKIE CUTTER PUMPKINS
TIPS
- Avoid using real candles inside as they're more worry than they're worth - especially when it comes to flammable children's Halloween costumes. I opted for glow sticks - you get the same effect, they come in different colours and you can keep the lid of your lantern on for optimum glow.
- When hammering the cookie cutter into your pumpkin, don't use a plastic-coated one (like I did!) as it will ruin it. An idea L had after I'd battered my cutter was to put a piece of wood over it, so you're hammering the wood instead. Pliers will help get your cutter out of the pumpkin.
- Before spraying gold, ensure you place the pumpkin/s onto a bin liner. Not only will it protect the majority of the ground you're spraying onto, but it will help you transport them when they're drying - helping avoid fingerprints.
Safety shout-out: Carving and drilling a round object can be dangerous and should be approached with caution. Ensure you use any type of spray in a well ventilated area, keep away from eyes etc - always read the label. Avoid using real candles inside your lanterns - if you'd prefer a tealight effect, there's some fab fake flickering ones out there.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Don't let a great pumpkin go to waste. Wash and dry your pumpkin seeds before mixing them with olive oil and salt. Place one layer on a baking tray and roast for 10 minutes (or until golden). They make great snacks.
WARMING PUMPKIN SOUP
This Waitrose recipe arrived in the post the weekend I was experimenting with pumpkin designs - so I took it as a sign and gave it a whirl.
It's a great way to use up old pumpkins post-Halloween (keep your seeds when you initially carve it out). Great for lunch, the best bit has to be the chilli kick at the end, which will keep you warm until dinner.
For more Halloween decor and recipe ideas, check out my Pinterest board dedicated to all things spooky.