Jack-O-Lantern~ A Tutorial

If you know me, you know that I just love pumpkins and gourds and so many wonderful things that come with fall. I love to bring the outdoors in and then I was inspired.  I always love to carve pumpkins with the family and get creative.  This is my own twist on the traditional Jack-O-Lantern.

Supply List
A small lantern~found this one at HomeGoods
tealight
A few assorted succulents
Moss
A large gourd/Cinderella pumpkin at least 18 inches across
A plastic 8 inch pot
Soil for succulents
A sharp knife
Ink pen

Assembly

Diagram 1

Invert the plastic pot over the center of the top of the pumpkin (diagram 1) and trace around the circumference with the inkpen.  Cut around the inkpen marking and remove the lid of the pumpkin (diagram 2).  Set the lid aside and scrape out the guts and set empty pumpkin aside.

Diagram 2

Diagram 3

Check to see that the plastic pot fits inside the pumpkin (diagram 3).  It should be snug but removable.  You may need to trim off a bit of the top of the plastic pot.  If this is the case.  Once cut, discard the top of the pot and tape around the bottom's cut top with some duct tape to help give it some more support. Remove the plastic pot from the pumpkin.

Diagram 5

Plant the succulents around the edges of the plastic pot (diagram 5).  Be sure to check to make sure there is room for your lantern as you plant the succulents hugging the edge.  Add the planted pot to the pumpkin and fill in all the gaps and exposed soil with moss.  Top with the lantern.

Finally, you can leave out the lantern completely if you like.  This is another centerpiece that I created in the same fashion filling the 8 inch plastic pot up entirely with succulents instead!

These arrangements should last 5 days inside at room temperature. If you are using cold hard succulents, this centerpiece will last longer outdoors.  Place your completed arrangement on a plate.  I love displaying them on cake stands.  Be sure to never leave a burning candle unattended.  If you loved these, you will just love the Coastal Fall centerpiece that I created for HGTV Garden.

I would also like to thank The Succulent Perch for jump starting these ideas and always inspiring me to add more succulents to my life.

This post is linked up to Deborah Jean's Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop , Strut Your Stuff Saturday , Homestead Revival's Barn Hop and The Clever Chick Blog Hop.


Photo Credit:  Tilly's Nest