Pumpkin Topiary

Directions

1. Sketch a design on the surface of every faux pumpkin using a pencil. Then, carefully carve out those shapes with a rotary tool.
2. Attach a sanding drum to your tool and smooth the interior edges of the carved features. Wipe away any leftover pencil marks.
3. Arrange two offcuts of 2x4 lumber at the base of the brown plastic planter so they cross each other in an X shape.
4. Drill a single hole through both stacked lumber pieces using a 1-inch spade bit. Thread the 60-inch long, 1-inch diameter dowel rod through this opening and into the planter.
5. Fill the planter with potting soil, pressing it down firmly to bury the wood and secure the vertical rod.
6. Layer hay around the bottom of the structure inside the planter to create an autumnal base.
7. Drill three 1-inch holes into each pumpkin: one near the top, one near the bottom, and one on the rear side. Angle the top and bottom holes to match the desired tilt of the pumpkins.
8. Thread each carved pumpkin onto the vertical dowel rod.
9. Tuck a strand of outdoor-rated Christmas lights behind each pumpkin, ensuring both wire ends remain accessible.
10. Cut a round piece of black duct tape with a small slit in the center. Press it over the rear hole to cover the exposed light wires.
11. Position the finished topiary next to an electrical outlet and plug it in to illuminate the display.