DIY Fall Decorating: A Beach Chic Pumpkin

With inspiration from the sea, a garden pumpkin is transformed to illuminate the night.

By: Melissa Caughey

Related To:

Drilled pumpkin 1

Celebrating the upcoming season, coastal style.

As we usher in fall, I know that pumpkin picking and carving is a high priority on the family to-do-list. Once home, we stare at the lovely pumpkins and their unique shape. We imagine how they would best be designed. We usually always end up with one pumpkin with one perfect side and a flatter side. Typically the flatter side becomes the back. But not this year.

I am loving the look of drilled pumpkins, but I knew I wanted to put a coastal twist on this year's pumpkins. Living by the sea, I am always finding inspiration from its treasures. With this craft I was able to combine my love for both. The drilling process is very simple, and I adore how these pumpkins twinkle. This pumpkin came together in no time at all and is a family-friendly craft. We are already dreaming about other shapes to drill into our pumpkins: shells, leaves, trees, pumpkins, gourds, acorns, apples and garden wildlife.

Supplies:

Pumpkin with innards removed or crafting pumpkin
Dried starfish
Drill and assorted bits
Crafting glue (real pumpkin) or hot glue gun (crafting pumpkin)
Newspaper/Craft paper
Candle
Pencil

Click on the gallery below for all of the step-by-step directions.

Beachy Pumpkin How-To

See All Photos

Grab a Drill and a Pumpkin

Gather your supplies: Use either a pumpkin with innards removed or a crafting pumpkin/newspaper/dried starfish/drill with assorted bits/glue/candle/pencil

Add Starfish

Spread out the newspaper in your work area. I selected a large pumpkin with a semi-flat side. Glue the starfish onto the pumpkin and allow to dry.

Start Drilling

With the drill and bit of your choice, drill around the entire circumference of each starfish. Tip: You can map out the holes with a pencil prior to drilling.

Get Creative

With assorted sized bits, I added more drilled starfish. When satisfied with your design, be sure to clean out the inside of your pumpkin once more.

Light It Up

Add your candle and enjoy! If you are working with a crafting pumpkin, with a sharp knife carve out a small opening to add a flameless or LED candle on the lower backside of the pumpkin. Caution: Do not leave burning candles unattended and do not use real candles in crafting pumpkins.

Keep Reading