If you are looking for a pumpkin carving idea that’s easy, a little different, and can double for great fall decor as well, pumpkin carving with a drill is for you. You can place these all around the garden and light them with candles (careful!) glow sticks, or even those dollar store led stick up lights. While I think this is safer than using knives to carve, still be very careful using power tools, and know how your drill works. And how to keep yourself safe using it. And if your arm gets tired, give it a rest or take turns. We drilled the pumpkins first, then scooped them afterwards. It seemed to give more stability to the pumpkin while you drill. Yes, your drill bits will get goopy… Just un-goop, and move on. :) However, if you prefer to scoop first, more power to ya! Here’s your tutorial on how to drill pumpkins!
Pumpkin Carving with a Drill
Step One: Create a pattern and use painters tape to help you mark it onto your pumpkin. We used dry erase marker to make the initial marks, then punched with a skewer to make it easier to get the drill going in the right place.
Step Two: Using various sized bits, we drilled straight into the pumpkin at the pre-marked spots. It helps to have someone hold the pumpkin while another person handles the drill. This was so easy and fun to do. It sure beats traditional pumpkin carving methods!
Step Three: Clean up the mess. Scoop if you haven’t already. We used a small knife as well to clean up any holes that didn’t have clean cuts.
We were so glad to discover this alternative pumpkin carving idea and do most of our pumpkin carving with a drill now!
We haven’t tried it ourselves, but we hear if you dip the drilled pumpkin in a bucket with a bleach water solution, it will last much longer. We hear a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water is the best bet, then let dry. Let us know if it works for you, or if you have any other ideas for helping your pumpkins to last! Happy Halloween! We hope you loved our project, “Pumpkin Carving with a Drill”! We think you will also want to jump on over to 16 Cool Pumpkin Carving Ideas , Fall Front Door Decorations and DIY Outdoor Halloween Yard Decorations! Also jump on over to our sister site, OhMeOhMy, and check out our post on Pumpkin Decorating Ideas – 11 Pretty Pumpkin Ideas. And if you are ready yo start crafting for the holiday season, check out our DIY Mason Jar Luminaries over at TBD!
Put Vaseline on all carved areas of the pumpkin. It seals it and makes them last much longer. If you can put it in the fridge, then they will last for months!
Cleaning the pumpkin with bleach & water kills the bacteria.. don’t know about a cut/drilled pumpkin. I do this to hard skinned veggies/fruits to make them last longer. Harvested squash in Oct; keep in cool place, and I had squash still in April. The Vaseline works fairly well. The little packet idea sound like a winner to me…. after you kill the bacteria on the outside.
This will be the first time I’ve carved a pumpkin in my 67 years. Part of my bucket list through life. So looking forward two I have. But my issue is there a small sample I could buy for pumpkins.
I know this request must odd to some viewers when I think my Mom never learned how to ride a bike or to swim. We as my Dad & Mom’s generation didn’t have much but appreciated what they did and cherished. So if any lesson here is to appreciate what you’re given not complaint about it. Mom passed in 2009 at 97 years young and is missed everyday.
Carol Aksamit Hawkins
You can buy little pumpkin carving kits at Wal-Mart or any dollar General store. They have super cute patterns. You can also Google patterns online and print some off for free. I hope you get to carve your pumpkin! I’m excited for you!
i heard wiping the inside of pumpkins with vaseline does the trick (or treat)
I work at pharmacy and the little packets that come in pill bottles to keep out moisture work get to keep your carved pumpkin lasting longer. Pharmacies throw them away, we use them to keep our animals dry food from molding as well. Just ask the pharmacy to save them for you.
Nice tip! We’ll have to try that! Thanks!
That’s awesome idea about moisture packets I do have some on hand. But also have the small canisters kind can they work as well ?
Had to be a reason their use.
Carol Aksamit Hawkins
I totally have to try this. I LOVE POWER TOOLS! VROOMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!