She Spray-Painted Mini Pumpkins Dark Teal and Turned Them Into Candle Holders
Mini orange pumpkins became dark teal candle holders after their stems came out and votive-size openings took their place. Homedit contributor Erin Francois used real pumpkins for the project, keeping their ribbed shape while changing both their color and purpose.
Each opening was cut to fit a votive candle, with the seeds and flesh removed through the top. Two coats of Montana Gold spray paint in Petrol covered the orange skin, while painter’s tape kept the stems their natural color.
Once the paint dried, votives fit into the openings where the stems had been. The finished pumpkins pair deep blue-green shells with white candles, turning small pumpkins into fall table decor.
She Traced the Candle Size Around Each Stem
A votive candle determined the size of the opening. She traced a circle around the stem, making it a bit smaller than the candle diameter.
Starting small matters here. More pumpkin can come off later if the candle does not fit, while an opening cut too wide can let the votive drop inside.
The Stem Came Out With the Top
A paring knife followed the marked circle and cut through the pumpkin shell. Rocking the stem back and forth released the cut section as one piece.
The removed top was kept rather than discarded. Its stem returns as part of the finished fall display.
Seeds and Flesh Came Out Through the Opening
A spoon or small spreader removes the seeds and soft flesh through the new opening. The inside is then rinsed and dried before paint goes on.
Removing the wet material also clears enough room beneath the opening for the candle cup.
Dark Teal Paint Covered the Orange Pumpkins
Paper stuffed inside the opening blocks spray paint from coating the interior. Two coats of Montana Gold Petrol change the pumpkin from orange to a deep teal blue.
Painter’s tape can cover the stem if you want to keep its natural brown finish. Spray paint should be applied outdoors or in a well-ventilated area according to the product directions.
The Votive Fits Where the Stem Used to Sit
After the paint dries, the votive goes into the opening. If it does not fit, the paring knife can shave a small amount from the edge until the metal cup sits inside without falling through.
The candle rests near the pumpkin’s top rather than disappearing inside, leaving the white wax visible against the dark teal paint.
Two Pumpkins Become a Fall Candle Display
Two finished pumpkins sit on a wood tray with dried corn, husks, and matches. Their teal finish creates contrast with the brown wood and harvest colors around them.
The removed stems can stay beside the candle holders as part of the arrangement rather than going back on top.
The Pumpkin Shape Stays Visible Under the Paint
Paint changes the color without hiding the deep ribs that made the mini pumpkins work as decor in the first place. Once lit, the candle occupies the spot where each stem started.
Would you keep the pumpkins orange or paint them a dark color before adding the candles?