Jack-O'-Lantern Pots

Shopping List

A modern and more durable take on the typical candle-brown-bag luminaria, here's everything you'll need to make the no-carve, simple jack-o'-lantern candleholders.

• Terra-cotta pot
• Painter's tape
• Gold spray paint
• Pencil
• Black craft paint
• Small detail paintbrush
• Sand
• Small candle
• Glass candle globe

Pick Your Pot

Step 1: Choose what size clay pot you would like to work with. (The one we chose had a 10-inch diameter.) Wrap a single layer of painter's tape around the outer edge of the pot so you won't get any paint on the outside.

Get the Glow

Step 2: Spray-paint the inside of the pot metallic gold to give it a bright finish. Only use two light coats to prevent paint from running or streaking. Be careful not to touch the edges or inside until the paint is completely dry.

Make A Face

Step 3: While the paint dries, use a pencil to sketch an outline of your desired pumpkin face. Keep the expressions friendly so trick-or-treaters won't be frightened!

Tip: Lay the pot on its side to get the best angle for drawing.

Face Paint

Step 4: Using a small paintbrush and black paint, fill in the pencil lines to create the face of the pumpkin let the paint dry before you attempt to move the pot or proceed with the next step.

Tip: If you are pressed for time, use a hair dryer on high heat to speed up the drying process.

Prepare for Sand

Step 5: When the inside of the pot is completely dry, gently remove the tape lining the outside edge.

Step 6: Place a few small pieces of tape over the hole on the bottom to prevent sand from leaking. Now the pot is ready to be filled with sand.

Night Light

Step 7: To finish the project, add one small candle on top of the sand, and cover it with a glass globe to prevent the flame from being blown out.

Place several of these on your front porch, and enjoy the eerie glow cast by the candles at night.