Curbly Pumpkin Challenge: A DIY Pumpkin Project Inspired by an Iconic Pendant Light Design

I thought it would be fun to concoct a DIY pumpkin project that was inspired by a classic design from the past, as a part of the Curbly Pumpkin Challenge. So after thinking about it for a little bit, I came up with a pumpkin DIY inspired by Poul Henningsen, who designed some of the iconic light fixtures that you have seen copied by many a company. Want to see what I made?   

The light I was inspired by is the PH 4 1/2-4 Pendant Lamp. So I loosely ran with that idea and created a carved pumpkin that lets the ‘light shine through’, so to speak.

What you’ll need:

• medium or large pumpkin
• sharp knife
• dry erase marker (because it’s non-permanent)
• spoon
• paper towel (for wiping off the dry erase marker)

Instructions:

1. Start by cutting the lid off of the pumpkin and removing the insides with a spoon.

2.  Next, draw the basic shapes of the pendant light onto the pumpkin, keeping in mind there will need to be spaces in between the shapes created. This will allow the general shape to shine through, without causing the pumpkin to cave in.

3. Next, cut the shapes out with a sharp knife. I found it helpful to use the back of a spoon to punch the cut out shapes all the way through the back, if any cut outs give you trouble.

4. Once cut, wipe off the dry erase marker with a wet paper towel, add small votive candles and light when it gets dark.

Here are some step by step photos for your reference…

And here’s how the finished pumpkin turned out…

Overall, the piece looks like the inspiration, in more of an abstract way. And whether you know the famous light designed by Poul Henningsen or not, this pumpkin, at the very least, has an interesting abstract design to show off to neighbors and trick-or-treaters.

This year, a group of Curbly contributors and editors got together to create an series of DIY decor and entertaining projects using that iconic symbol of the season: the pumpkin. We’ll be sharing our creations for the Curbly Pumpkin Challenge each day this week. Happy Fall.

Will you be doing any pumpkin carving this year?

This post originally posted in October 2014. We’re bringing it back because it’s one of our favorites!