This homemade pumpkin lantern is a frugal dollar store DIY project.
Dollar store pumpkins can be used for so many things during the fall season. Take a look below at how we turned an ordinary dollar store pumpkin into a fun pumpkin lantern, perfect for lighting up Halloween nights! Making your own pumpkin lantern is easier than you may think, and the total project only cost us $2!
How to Make a Pumpkin Lantern
Supplies Needed:
- Foam pumpkin ($1 at Dollar Tree)
- Strand of twinkle lights ($1 at Dollar Tree)
- Knife
- Screwdriver
You want to use a screwdriver with a nice round tip. A pencil would also work for this purpose if you don’t have a screwdriver on you.
Directions:
1. Begin by taking a knife and removing a 2 inch wide square from the back of the pumpkin. Simply poke the knife in and cut until the square is created. Discard the piece you have cut off. You won’t be needing it any further.
This will be the back of your lantern, so don’t worry about the cut being perfect.
2. Now, take your screwdriver and poke holes into the pumpkin. You can make them random as we did, or make the dots into a shape or letter even. Get creative! Continue poking through the pumpkin until you have the pattern of your choice.
3. Next, tuck the strand of lights into the pumpkin. Simply press them into the inside and leave the plug hanging out. We used orange lights, but you can use any color you wish.
Now all you need to do is plug the twinkle lights in. The lights will shine through the holes and illuminate the design!
Head to your local dollar store and gather the supplies you need to give this easy pumpkin lantern a try. Just think of all of the spins you could put on it and designs you could try!
Wendy says
Cute idea! You could also use a battery operated tea light candle with a timer
Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog says
Just a friendly note to let you know that this project was featured today on my post of 20 Pumpkin Crafts! Hope you’ll come by and check out the amazing Halloween inspiration!
http://www.thejohnsonsplusdog.com/2015/10/13/fall-favorites-20-pumpkin-crafts/
Tianna says
totally brilliant idea! I’m off to the dollar store STAT haha. thanks for this!
stop by and chat 🙂 http://storybookapothecary.com/
Jeanette says
Great Idea! I am definitely making some of these! I was at Dollar Tree today, but they only have one little aisle of Halloween so far and these aren’t out yet. I think I might make a lighted pumpkin topiary! Thanks for the idea!
Christin at Must Love Home says
What a great idea!! I am heading to Dollar Tree today to see what they have! Please visit our party, Friday Favorites, to share what you have been working on! The doors open every Thursday at 7PM at mustlovehome.com! Have a super week – Christine.