Hack-o-lantern
Why limit yourself to plastic toy knives and kitchen spoons when you can use power tools? Throw holesaws, dremels, and power drills in the mix, and who knows what possibilities might open up… Add LEDs, motors, and switches, you’ll find a new way to enjoy Halloween!
Tools and Materials
Gathering and using tools and materials is one of the best parts of this activity! Consider what you would like to use to experiment and remix your pumpkins.
Power Tools
Some of our favorites are a power drill with different size drill bits, hole saws, Dremel tools, vises, clamps, and safety goggles.
Traditional Carving Tools
Raid the kitchen for a big spoon, knife, and any other carving tools you may have at home.
Electronics
Let your pumpkins glow with LEDs, copper tape, coin cell batteries, switches, and motors.
Tip: Use a Soldering Iron. You can add circuits and LEDs without soldering, but it can really help! A small amount of solder can go a long way and improve your electrical connections. For tips on soldering, check out this video.
Getting Started
Start hacking your pumpkin by drilling out a large hole. Secure your pumpkin in a big vise, face-down. Use a holesaw on your hand drill to make the hole. You might be surprised with how quickly you can make a hole, it's very soft.
Once you have a hole, scoop out its guts inside and clear the way for creating!
Gallery
Take It Further
Add electronics, micro:bit, or Arduino and program your pumpkin!
Want to know more about circuits? Check out these resources:
Want to know more about micro:bit?