How to Make a Pretty Fretwork Pumpkin

Transform a simple gourd into a glowing masterpiece with this easy fretwork technique that uses simple tools and tape guides.

Medium

Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at hgtv.com.

Learn how to create an intricate fretwork pumpkin design by drilling concentric circles of large and small holes using tape as a guide, then cleaning the openings and illuminating the gourd with a candle.

Directions

Spread out multiple sheets of newspaper on your work surface. Take a sharp knife or a specialized pumpkin saw and slice a wide opening at the base of the gourd. Scoop out every bit of the inner pulp and seeds using a big serving spoon.

Stick a strip of painter's tape right in the middle of the pumpkin's exterior. Then, add a second strip of tape about two inches higher up from the first one.

Swap in a wide drill bit and bore holes into the pumpkin just beneath the upper tape line. Create a full circle of these wide holes just above the lower tape line. Peel off both tape strips, then drill a third circle of wide holes directly on top of the upper circle you just made.

Switch to a tiny drill bit. Drill smaller holes in the spaces between and above the wide holes, working your way around the entire pumpkin. Finish by drilling a final circle of small holes underneath the lowest circle of wide holes, ensuring these tiny holes sit directly between and above or below the larger ones.

Wipe away any leftover pulp or skin from the drilled openings using paper towels and cotton swabs. Finally, set the finished pumpkin over a votive candle, either lit or battery-operated.