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
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| 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.
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| Diagram 2 |
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| 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.
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| 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. Shhhh…you can use crafting pumpkins from the craft store and make a drainage hole in the bottom. They last much longer! 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.
Photo Credit: Tilly’s Nest
25 thoughts on “Jack-O-Lantern~ A Tutorial”
I really like that and it should last for quite awhile!! Easy & FUN!
Thanks!
This is so clever! I'm adding this to my fall crafts list! It would look great on my back porch. Thanks for the great idea and tutorial 🙂
Thanks! I think you are right, it would be lovely on a porch.
~<3 Adore this idea!!! Today…………. I shall run to the pumpkin field!! Thank you for the inspiration!
Would love to see how it turned out!
That is so pretty. I love pumpkins too. I grew my first cinderellas this year.
How awesome! I would love to grow pumpkins. They are not easy to grow.
Absolutely beautiful. You are so talented.
Thank you. You are so sweet!
Just beautiful and clever Melissa! Love the coastal arrangement!
Thanks Deb! So glad you stopped in and thank you for the fabulous hop as always 🙂
Very lovely indeed! If you didn't carve the pumpkin the arrangement would last up to a year. I have one that did! I love your great ideas!
And I love Cindy and The Succulent Perch!
Last year, I had my pumpkins freeze outside on the steps. I could not bear to part with them. On the first warm day, they thawed and I had pumpkin soup! Our little gourds did last inside until Christmas. I must say, I am quite addicted 🙂 Thank you for leaving such a wonderful tip and comment.
Cute idea!
These are awesome! Thanks for sharing your talent! Do you sell these? I think people at farmers markets and such would love these.
Thanks! I hadn't thought about selling them. I might just have to look into that for next year. I love Farmer's Markets. I'm so glad you stopped in today.
Thanks for the invite…..and what an adorable idea!
So glad you are here! Thanks for coming 🙂
This is a gorgeous idea! Would I be allowed to post it on my blog too?
Good Morning Sophie! Thank you for asking permission. I am letting you know that you may share my Jack-O-Lantern Tutorial on your blog. I give you permission to share ONE photo and a LINK back to the original post on your blog and of course site the source. I'm so glad you liked the idea!
Hi, thanks for inviting me to take part in your blog hop. I have your web address marked down so I'll remember 🙂
The pumpkin is beautiful! I love how you used live plants instead of silk flowers.
Great ideas! Thanks for the creative treat, Melissa!
What a clever arrangement! Thanks for sharing with the Clever Chicks. 😉
Kathy
The Chicken Chick
I'm a huge fall person too. This will work for outside our RV. Thanks so much for the idea