DIY Network

Shedding Light on the Squash or Gourd More Thanksgiving Crafts

Materials:

small decorative gourds or squash (dried)
Dremel tool with a small drill bit (1/8")
diamond-tip bit
safety glasses
dust mask
non-skid mat
water-based wood stains
acrylic paints
paintbrush
glossy polyurethane (spray)
various candlestick pedestals and holders
tea lights
sand

	DIY's Michele Beschen (host of B. Original) demonstrates how to illuminate your Thanksgiving holiday with indoor or outdoor squash and gourd luminaries.
	Or why not create an eye-catching gourd candelabrum?

1. Place gourds on a non-skid mat to prevent the gourd sliding around while drilling. Using the multi-purpose rotary tool, randomly drill 1/8-inch holes around the dried gourd or squash. Focus on the middle area, because you'll be cutting the top off and putting a layer of sand in the bottom. Note: Drill the holes BEFORE cutting the top off and cleaning it out. Safety Alert: Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when drilling and cutting.

2. Next, before cutting the top off, consider how you want your gourd to sit. Then, cut the top off using a diamond-tip bit, which will remove the material smoother than a cutting blade. Make sure to cut a large enough opening to fit a tea light inside.

3. Once cut, take the lid off and clean out the inside of the gourd.

4. Brush on stains and paints to add color.

5. to preserve the completed gourd, spray the gourd with glossy polyurethane.

6. Finally, pour just enough sand into the bottom of the gourd so the tea light can sit flat. Set a tea light in place and light it up.

You can decorate with these unique luminaries inside or out. The metal candleholders that you insert in the ground work perfect for lining your walkway or entryway. Be creative with how you display these beautiful light bearers and have a fabulous Thanksgiving!