If the thought of a cadre of frightful jack-o'-lanterns gives you the chills, opt for a lovely and luminous group of votive holders instead. These gently glowing lights, cut from pumpkins in pale hues, are easy to make: Simply slice off the tops, and scoop off the flesh. Set on glass votive holder and candle inside each, and arrange a few small, uncarved pumpkins alongside. Keep an eye on the lighted candles, and be sure to blow them out at the end of the evening.
To make pumpkin votives with miniature pumpkins (pictured below), you will need miniature pumpkins, votives, floral cutters, and a hand-drill fitted with a 1 1/2-inch-wide paddle bit. If possible, get a second person to help: He or she can don a pair of work gloves and hold the pumpkin in place as you drill.
1. Using floral cutters, trim the stem from the pumpkin.
2. Center the paddle bit over the pumpkin, and drill about 1/2 inch deep.
3. Insert votive. The pumpkin can be stored in a cool, dry spot for up to one day.
really like this idea! though I think I would use this for more of a Fall theme instead of Halloween, looks fantastic though! :)
love this idea.
I'm having a dinner party on the Halloween weekend. Wanted to give it a seasonal touch without being too 'Trick or Treat'! I think these will be perfect for the table setting.
The paddle bit sounds very dangerous and I wouldn't like to be the one holding the tiny pumpkin in case it slips. I like "momdig"s instructions using a paring knife. Sounds a bit safer.
PROBABLY THE BEST LIGHTS FOR THESE WOULD BE THE BATTERY OPERATED TEA-LIGHTS OR VOTIVES. SURE WOULD BE SAFER.
AND YES THE CANDLE SHWON IN THE PICTURE IS A TEA-LIGHT.
IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THE PICTURE IS DIFFERENT THAN THE INSTRUCTIONS.
OH GOSH, I JUST SAW THAT THE GARBLE CAME THRU WITH MY NAME----PLEASE DISREGARD.
'';?;kmho;
I made several of these last year having found the directions in Martha Stewart Living magazine. I "gutted" the pumpkins and scraped a bit from the inside and mine lasted a week or more. I also used a paring knife to cut the pumpkins, if you don't have a drill and spade bit AND an extra pair of hands! The skin on those things is tough! but you can carve them with a knife.
They edo look like tealights. Could di deeper for votives I guess
I know it is a small difference, but to me, these look like tealight candles, not votives. A votive would stick up more, right? I think the correct name for what you want in this case is a tealight candle. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong, LOL!)
too bad they only last one day...is that correct?
I never thought of using a wide drill bit to hollow things out. I have used smaller ones to make holes in pumpkins.
Great idea
Howdydog