Radiant Rind

This pretty pumpkin shines bright with the same vibrant colors that dot the autumn landscape. With flat clear stones in a variety of hues set into the surface of a faux pumpkin, it works great as a centerpiece or to light up your porch throughout the season. To make your own version, mark placement of the holes around the pumpkin’s surface. Use a small drill bit to start the holes by going all the way through the pumpkin sides. (Wear a dust mask when drilling.) Slowly increase the size of the holes, but keep them smaller than the stones, as these come in irregular shapes and sizes.

Set a stone over a hole and trace around it with a craft knife. Then, trim the hole’s edge to fit the stone. Clean up the inside of the hole with a rat-tail file. Apply hot glue or a strong clear adhesive inside the hole at the top edge and then push the stone into place. Repeat for all the stones.

Cut an opening in the bottom of the pumpkin and add a string of cool LED lights or a batteryoperated candle.