Gourds are essential elements in fall décor, especially during October and November. They look great grouped together in a centerpiece, but why let your gourds just sit there when they can be functional as well as decorative. Use an assortment of small gourds as candleholders for a unique decorative touch all through the fall season. This project is so easy you’ll want to do it every year. They make a great addition to a Thanksgiving centerpiece too.
Materials:
An assortment of small gourds in various shapes. Choose colorful gourds that are well balanced. You don’t want lit candles falling over!
Old newspaper or wax paper
Very sharp paring knife or a serrated knife
Candles
Pencil
Instructions:
Before you start, select a large flat workspace such as a table or countertop. To avoid making a mess, cover the entire workstation in newspaper or wax paper. This will also make clean-up a breeze. Gather all of your materials together and have them laid out in front of you ready to use. Now you are ready to begin.
1) First, choose one gourd and one candle. With your pencil, trace a circle around the bottom of the candle onto the top and center of your gourd. The circle need not be too dark, but you do want it to be as accurate as possible. If the hole is too big, the candle will not stand straight and tall in the gourd.
2) Then, take the sharp paring knife and cut inside of the traced line. The hole should be a little smaller than the circle you drew. This will ensure a tight hold for the candle once it is placed inside the gourd.
3) Last, once the circle is cut, remove the cut piece of the gourd. Replace it with the candle. You have finished the first gourd!
4) Repeat all of the above steps with each gourd until you have made the desired number of gourd candle holders. Remember to test the balance of each gourd before you begin. Keep the traced circle in the center of each gourd to help the gourd maintain its balance.
Tips and hints:
The gourds and candles you select should be in various fall colors such as orange yellow green brown and red. However, choose colors wisely. Putting a red candle in an orange gourd will clash. So pair gourds with candles in complementing colors for best results.
This project is so easy that kids can make their own. However, unless you child is old enough and skilled enough with a sharp knife, you should assist them in cutting the circles out of the gourds. Even if they are experienced enough to do it themselves, make sure an adult is around to monitor the activity and provide assistance in case of cuts.
Your gourds will last for varying lengths of time. Once you cut them, you open the inside of them up to the air which will start them rotting faster than they would if they had remained uncut. Buy extras and store them, uncut, in a dry place. When one starts to go bad you can easily replace it with a fresh gourd.
