If you are looking for a pumpkin carving project 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!

 

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.

 

Step Three: Clean up the mess. Scoop if you haven’t already. We used a small knife as well to clean up any holes that didn’t have clean cuts.

We haven’t tried it ourselves, but we hear if you dip the drilled pumpkin in a bucket with a bleach water solution, it will last much longer. We hear a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water is the best bet, then let dry. Let us know if it works for you, or if you have any other ideas for helping your pumpkins to last! Happy Halloween!