Light up lasting luminaries for Halloween

Hands-on time: Less than two hours
Total time: 12 to 24 hours
Skill: Easy - kids can help
Cost: $15 for each luminary

Materials and Tools

• Plaster of Paris (two cartons for each pumpkin mould)
• Newspaper
• Plastic pumpkin moulds (I used plastic trick-or-treat buckets)
• Utility knife
• Duct tape
• Damp cloth
• Measuring cup
• Large spatula or wooden spoon
• Safety glasses and dust mask
• Tea lights or votive candles
• Small disposable plastic container or glass jar
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic paint in orange, black, and green
• Exterior varnish
• Paintbrush

Light up your porch on Halloween with plaster pumpkin luminaries. They can also light up a path, porch, deck, window or be used as a centrepiece for a Halloween party. And they can be used year after year.

Cover your work area with newspaper and wear old clothes or an apron - this project is messy.

Cut a plastic pumpkin bucket in half with a knife to make it easier to remove the plaster shape. Rejoin the bucket with duct tape. Wipe the inside with a damp cloth.

In a sturdy container, mix the plaster of Paris with water according to package directions. Set the mixture aside for three to five minutes until it is stiff yet creamy. Don't let it get too thick.

Place the pumpkin mould on a level surface. Make one plaster casting at a time. Pour one quarter of the plaster mixture into the mould, tapping the mould to release any air bubbles. Fill almost to the top. Push candles or tea lights into plaster to make an indentation, leave for a few minutes and remove.

To use less plaster, pour in a quarter of the mixture and place an empty plastic container or jar in the mould. Fill container with rocks to steady it, and pour plaster around container to the top. You do not need to remove the container.

After 20 to 30 minutes, remove the duct tape and the plastic bucket, then let the plaster harden a few hours or overnight. Wipe inside the plastic pumpkin mould and use it to make more luminaries.

Use sandpaper to remove excess plaster from around the edges and sides of the luminary. Paint the plaster pumpkins with acrylic paint. When paint is dry, apply a coat or two of exterior varnish, letting them dry between each application.

Insert tea lights or votive candles into the plaster jack-o'-lanterns. Young trick-or-treaters will be captivated by their delightful glow.

Variations

• Cement or stepping-stone mixes can also be used, but they take longer to dry and cure.
• Fill rubber gloves with plaster to create scary hands for spooky décor.
• Use glitter or glow-in-the-dark paint on the pumpkins, and make smaller plaster decorations and ornaments for any occasion.