“Illuminated Pumpkin Craft” #TigerStrypesBlog 9

Most of the materials needed, I was able to get at the Dollar Tree in our area.  The lights were the only thing I had to buy elsewhere, but got on sale, so not too expensive.  Begin this craft by blowing up a few balloons to the sizes you’ll want your pumpkins to be (give or take).  You can secure them in plastic cups to make it easier to attach the twine.  I actually ended up using my gloved hands to just hold them, which made it easier.

Begin by “painting” the glue around the entire surface of the balloon.

Start wrapping the twine around the balloon, making sure it sits somewhat tight.  There are no right or wrong ways to wrap it, use your imagination and go crazy with the twists and turns.  Just make sure to leave a bit of room at the top and bottom for some of the finishing.

When you have the twine completed, let the balloons sit in the cups to dry for about 3-4 hours.

Once they have almost become dried and are pliable, pop the balloons and somewhat “smash” in the top and bottom to make it a bit more pumpkin-shaped.  Once you have your preferred shape, let it sit overnight or for a few more hours to dry completely.

Now that your “pumpkin” is completely dry, you can paint it or decorate it how you wish.  I wanted to keep it a bit natural, so I just coated over it with clear paint to make sure the pieces were secured.  When the paint is dry, you can insert your lights in the bottom hole and make sure to leave enough out to plug it in where you wish.  You could always go with battery operated lights and put it wherever you wish, but those just cost too much and I didn’t want to go with those.