Black and white Halloween
There are so many ways you can add a touch of Halloween or Day of the Dead to your abode without having to carve a giant pumpkin, hang a fake spider web or create an elaborate altar in your home. A few subtle candles on the table or on the mantle always adds a touch of elegance. Add a bit of paint, and you’ve officially turned it up a notch with personal style. I have a very minimalist aesthetic, and just love the way simple black and white décor looks together. I was inspired by a few Halloween Pumpkin Pins which celebrate the marriage of these two (non) colors. Here’s a simple DIY for pumpkin tea lights that you and the family can do together in no time.
Your pumpkin is your canvas
I found these white pumpkins at the local supermarket, which were perfect because I didn’t have to prime the pumpkins prior to painting. You still can if you want to, but it’s a lot easier if your “canvas” is ready! I wanted a bit of texture so I applied the paint directly to the pumpkin.
Use LED candles for longevity and safety
Play it safe and get yourself a pack of LED lights for your pumpkins instead of regular candles. The light is way too close to the edge, and could be dangerous. They sell LED tealights just about everywhere these days. They’re not as beautiful as a naturally lit candle but after spending an afternoon beautifying your pumpkin, you will want to preserve them.
Prep for carving
Using a pencil or pen, draw a line around the stem with the measurements of your LED candle. Cut and empty the pumpkin out.
Fit your candle
Make sure your candle fits. As the pumpkin dries the hole will become smaller and harder, so it’s best for the hole to be just slightly wider than the circumference of the LED lights.
Let the painting fun begin!
You can use satin craft paint or regular acrylic paint, depending on the texture you’d like to create. Paint the top first. Let it dry and then paint the bottom.
Spider webs, animal prints, the world is yours!
Play around with different ideas and patterns for a bit of variety, and you're done! You can also experiment with more colorful paints and make your pumpkin tealights double as Halloween and Día de los Muertos decorations if you paint them to resemble sugar skulls!
