Last weekend, I visited my friend Emily on Long Island and we drilled jack-o-lanterns! I was eager to do something *different* this year, so made the suggestion of "drilling" these guys (as opposed to the typical "carving" of them). It actually was a TON of fun - and was pretty easy / stress free! In the case that you haven't carved out your pumpkins yet, maybe these will inspire you to drill some of your own. ;)
I apologize in advance for the disgusting few images you're about to see LOL. I shot them with my phone after the sun had gone down, so the lighting wasn't the greatest. On top of that, it's pretty difficult to take process shots when your hands are covered in orange goop.. Hopefully you are still able to follow along!
WHAT YOU NEED:
- pumpkin(s)
- pumpkin carving tool kit (OR knife + large spoon)
- drill + drill bit(s)
- chopstick (OR pencil / pen / paintbrush - something to "unclog" drill holes)
- paper towels
- candle(s) + lighter
- newspapers (optional, for easy clean up)
- bowls (optional, for saving seeds + guts)
WHAT TO DO:
Cover your work surface with newspaper. Optional, but just do it and thank me later.. ;)
Cut the top opening of your pumpkin. I recommend cutting at an angle to avoid a sunken lid.
Pull the top off and scoop out all seeds + pumpkin guts.
Start drilling your design! Emily and I had general ideas before we started, but we did not mark up the pumpkins with where to drill at all. We kinda just winged it, and I think they turned out great for the lack of brainpower it took to create them, haha! I went for a "confetti" look that was denser towards the center of the pumpkin and more spaced out at the top and bottom, and Emily went for a grid look.
We only had one sized drill bit to work with, but it could be fun to experiment with different widths!
Scoop out any additional mess the drilling made on the inside of the pumpkin.
Clean up your drill holes by poking something through them - we used a chopstick. If you don't have chopsticks in your house, you can also use an (unsharpened) pencil / pen, paintbrush handle, or anything that will fit really.
Using slightly dampened paper towels, wipe the exterior of the pumpkin clean.
Light your pumpkin for the big reveal! *oOOOooOOOooo AaaaaAAAaaaH*
We also toasted our pumpkin seeds (because duh), and seasoned them with Old Bay, salt, and olive oil - they were deeeeelicious and I highly recommend trying that flavor combo out yourself! ;)
Wishing you all a happy, fun, and safe Halloween weekend!