Pumpkin Topiary

Directions

1. Sketch a design onto the surface of each faux pumpkin using a pencil. Then, carefully carve out the drawn features with a rotary tool.
2. Attach a sanding drum to your tool and smooth the interior edges of the carved eyes, nose, and mouth. Wipe away any leftover pencil marks.
3. Arrange two pieces of scrap 2x4 lumber in a cross shape at the base of the brown plastic planter.
4. Drill a single 1-inch hole through both stacked pieces of wood using a spade bit. Thread the 1-inch diameter, 60-inch long dowel rod through the aligned holes and into the planter.
5. Fill the planter with potting soil, packing it firmly around the wood to secure the dowel rod in place.
6. Layer hay around the base of the dowel within the planter to create an autumnal display.
7. Using the 1-inch spade bit, drill three openings in each pumpkin: one at the top, one at the bottom, and one on the rear side. Angle the top and bottom holes to align with the dowel.
8. Slide the carved pumpkins down the central dowel rod to stack them.
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 secure the light wires.
11. Position the finished topiary near an electrical outlet and plug in the lights to illuminate the display.