Project

Mice-Infested Pumpkins

In this "cheesy" project, a variety of drill bits create holes of different sizes. The result is a glowing, move-in-ready home for a family of skittering mice.

Photography: Kate Mathis

Source: Martha Stewart

Introduction

A candle isn't safe in an enclosed pumpkin, so use a battery-powered LED light instead.

materials

Pumpkins

Plastic mice, $8 for 28, partycity.com

Gold paint, Martha Stewart Crafts Multisurface Acrylic Metallic Craft Paint, $3 for 2 oz., michaels.com

Power drill with Blu-Mol Xtreme spade-bit set, $15.50, homedepot.com

Tealight flameless LED candle in white, $7 for 12, partycity.com

Pins

steps

Slice off the bottom of a pumpkin and scoop out seeds. Using a set of spade bits, drill holes of different sizes all over pumpkin.
Place plastic mice on newspaper and paint gold, turning to coat all sides; let dry.
Pin critters into place on pumpkin, both on surface and inside larger holes, as shown. Place a flickering LED light on your table or mantle, and put pumpkin on top.
Optional: Use this as a centerpiece for a fruit-and-cheese spread.