Thread: Best method to light the inside of your mache pumpkins

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I'm at the point were I need to make some decisions on lighting the insides of my pumpkins. My first thought was to use a 25ct outdoor xmas light set, not much heat and water proof. Im just not sure if this is the best method. Also how do most of you handle the facial openings, do you add some type of colored cellophane or plastic over the openings or do you leave them open. Is it best to use white light and paint the inside of the pumpkin to reflect the color you want or do you use colored lights? My other thought was to make LED lamps with several super bright LEDS strategically mounted in the heads. The problem with this option is Halloween is around the corner and I have enough on my plate that adding a wiring project may be too much this late in the season. Any thoughts or suggestions previous or current experiences would be appreciated!

Happy Haunts
DZ

At first I used a regular 25w light bulb. Not the way to go...

I added "gel' http://www.rosco.com/us/filters/roscolux.cfm#colors to the inside of the openings which helped a lot. I still had the light too bright & finally used aluminum foil around the front of the light bulb reflecting back away from then opening. The bounce worked well, but there is room for improvement.

X Mas lights would work better as you mentioned. You probably still need some gel to get an even light dispurtion.

I'm sure you saw what I did. I wouldn't do it any different.

Maybe you could put one or two of those LED pumpkin lights in them, the ones that look like tap lights and flicker like a flame but put out more light than a LED tealight.

I've got about 9 paper maché JoLs on my fence posts and use this method:

Red acetate with rubber cement used to attach a layer of white tissue paper to the acetate to create opaque film (otherwise you can see right through the acetate as it's just a clear red film). Then I cut out a general shape of the now opaque film and fit it down in the pumpkins. Hot glue to inside so it doesn't shift.

http://www.texasart.com/paper-boards...tate-film.html
This is cheap and you can get it at any art supply store (not Hobby Lobby or Michaels, but a real art supply place...)

I use a cheapy flicker tealight from the Dollar Tree (got them in packs of 6 I think) and if it gets rained on, it generally doesn't mess it up. If so, easy and cheap to replace.




and a no-flash shot to show the flicker candle glow

thanks for the suggestions. These are great.

Originally Posted by GhostTown

I'm sure you saw what I did. I wouldn't do it any different.

GhostTown - I love your Pumpkin Head Sentinels, I actually have pictures printed out and hanging as a reference/inspiration. Thanks for the info Ill dig though post for what you did.

Shoot me a message if you need any more images.

so i broke down and bought 40 LED's I plan to use about 10 to light up the scarecrow Im working on. 3-4 in the head and the rest setup as spot lights to light up the body. Ill post pics once Im done. If ever.....